Henry Robert Holzweiss

Missing him is his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary, who provided selfless care throughout his cognitive decline, daughter Jean (and son-in-law Jim), favorite son Michael (and daughter-in-law Kristina), and five much-adored grandchildren: Lindy, Skyler, Tyler, Riley, and Lexy.

Bob grew up in Mineola as the second of three brothers, including older brother Fred and younger brother Tom, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Marge, nephew Robert (and niece-in-law Peggy), who was named after him, niece Debbie (and nephew-in-law Karl), and their children.

He attended Chaminade High School. His college career brought him to many different places, and he continued his travels while flying helicopters for the US Army in Germany. His passion turned into a career at United Airlines, where he spied a cute ticket agent: Mary. A year after their first date (skiing in upstate New York, where Bob broke his leg) they were married and Bob became part of Mary’s close-knit Ukrainian family on Long Island. He joins his brother-in-law George and George’s wife Linda at the celestial party. He had many good times with his brother-in-law John and John’s wife Dorothy, who lived just down the road, as well as the nephews and nieces he was so fond of: Gregory, Christopher, Ann, and Thomas.

He enjoyed a 28-year career at Pan American Airlines, where he took advantage of the perks and treated his family to spectacular vacations. Bob travelled to over 27 countries and stepped foot in every US state. Some of his favorite destinations (all trips made with his wife, Mary) were: Tahiti, Hong Kong, Hawaii, and Alaska. He retired from Atlas Air in 2000.

Bob held four black belts in Karate, Aikido, Jiu-Jitsu, and Judo. His training required his family NOT to sneak up on him for fear of an automatic response that would deliver a karate hand (or foot) within inches of their body before being stopped. For years, Bob owned, managed, and taught at Jakata Martial Arts School in Farmingdale, NY.

After retiring, he and Mary moved to Richmond, Virginia, and he was a doting grandfather, lovingly dubbed “Pasha” by his first grandchild, Lindy. He enthusiastically attended every concert, play, and exhibit of his grandaughters living nearby and was a patient audience member for countless living-room “shows.”

Pasha enjoyed taking road trips back to Long Island, with Mary by side, to visit family and friends. He always looked forward to visiting his grandsons, Tyler and Riley, and granddaughter, Lexy. He was especially proud that they followed in his footsteps by learning martial arts, and enjoyed watching their Tae Kwon Do lessons. They will miss his big hugs, stories about the many knickknacks in his study, trips to the beach, and flicking through the TV channels together.

A lifelong hockey fan, Bob held season tickets throughout the glory years of the NY Islanders. He loved a well-manicured lawn, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, a good scotch, and long naps. He was a well-read student of World War II history, especially in regard to aviation. He enjoyed woodworking and crafted unique clocks for many of his relatives. Bob’s true joy was his family, both near and far.

In lieu of flowers, please take a moment to give someone you love a big ‘ol bear hug and/or donate to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Heart Association.

Oh, how we will miss him!