Eugene W. Holland

October 17, 1933 – July 2026

Eugene W. Holland, lovingly known as Gene, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 after a life filled with service, hard work, adventure, and an unwavering love for his family.

Born on October 17, 1933, in Bay Shore, New York, Gene graduated from Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey, with the Class of 1951. He attended the University of Delaware on a wrestling scholarship and later earned a place on the football team, reflecting the determination and competitive spirit that would define him throughout his life.

Shortly thereafter, Gene proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army. Rather than wait to be drafted, he volunteered to serve during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany. The values he carried from his military service—discipline, resilience, and integrity—would shape the rest of his remarkable life.

Gene was truly a self-made man who embraced each chapter of life with determination and enthusiasm. After returning home from the Army, he settled in Smithtown, New York, where he built a successful insurance agency. Never one to stand still, he also became a respected real estate developer and contractor, creating opportunities through hard work, vision, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Never one to be defined by a single career, Gene followed his lifelong passion for the water and became the captain of the Scoundrel, a well-known deep-sea charter fishing boat based in Hampton Bays, New York. As Captain Gene, he spent many years introducing countless anglers to the excitement of shark and tuna fishing in the waters off Long Island. His knowledge of the sea, love of fishing, and easygoing personality created memories that his customers and friends cherished for years.

Away from work and the water, Gene enjoyed competition of every kind. He was an accomplished backgammon player, a formidable poker player, and someone who relished the camaraderie and challenge that games brought. Whether at a card table, a backgammon board, or out on the ocean, Gene loved the thrill of strategy and friendly competition.

In retirement, Gene traded the ocean for the fairways, moving to Palm Coast, Florida, where he became an avid golfer. He found great joy spending his days on the golf course, enjoying the Florida sunshine, the friendships he made, and the game he loved.

In recent years, Gene returned to New York to live in Rocky Point with his daughter, Laura, where he was surrounded by the love and support of his family.

Above all else, Gene was devoted to those he loved. He was a man of strength, independence, determination, and generosity. Throughout his life, he demonstrated that with hard work and perseverance, it was possible to reinvent oneself and embrace new adventures. Whether serving his country, building businesses, navigating the open ocean, competing around a card table, or walking the fairways with friends, Gene approached life with confidence, resilience, and an appreciation for every new chapter.

Gene is survived by his loving daughter, Laura Holland, and her fiancé, Joseph Abbate; his son, Marc Holland; his cherished grandchildren, Jacob Pace, Sasha Pace, Taylor Holland, and Madison Holland; and his wife, Dawn Holland. He also leaves behind many extended family members, dear friends, former clients, fellow fishermen, and golfing companions whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Gene's legacy is one of courage, reinvention, and a life well lived. From athlete to soldier, businessman to captain, golfer to grandfather, he lived each chapter of his life fully and on his own terms. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Family and friends are welcome to join us as we honor and remember Gene during Shiva, which will be held at Laura Holland’s home.

Sunday, July 26th and Monday, July 27th, 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

103 Hallock Landing Rd., Rocky Point, NY 11778

Your presence, prayers, and memories are greatly appreciated as we gather to celebrate Gene’s life and support one another during this time.