William Joseph Holtz

In Loving Memory of William “Billy” Holtz
William Holtz, better known as Billy Holtz, was born on November 4, 1948, in Crown Heights,
Brooklyn, to Eileen and Bill. He was a parishioner of St. Theresa of Avila.
Billy was one of six children, the oldest and the only boy, with five sisters: Maureen, Barbara,
Kathy, Nancy, and Maryellen. Growing up, Billy and his siblings often spent their days exploring
Prospect Park, visiting local museums, and even wandering through Green-Wood Cemetery,
despite having no family buried there. Billy was always finding a way to stir up a little chaos
somewhere. He was a true Brooklyn street kid, just like so many others of his generation, with a
natural sense of adventure and a reputation for never turning down a dare.
As the family grew, they needed more room and moved to Borough Park in 1963. Billy had a
way of knowing everyone, and everyone seemed to know Billy. He was outgoing, adventurous,
and always ready for whatever life had in store.
Billy began working in a supermarket at an early age, never knowing that one day he would
meet the love of his life there. In 1967, while working at Royal Farms Supermarket, Billy worked
in Aisle 2, the canned vegetable aisle, while Eileen worked as a cashier. Whenever the store got
busy, Billy would lend a hand by helping Eileen bag groceries at checkout. What began as a
simple helping hand turned into a lifetime of love. They married in October 1971.
In 1973, they had their first child Kimberley and then moved to Marine Park, Brooklyn. Their
son, Christopher, was then born in November 1977. Together, they built a wonderful life on
Hendrickson Street, navigating life’s ups and downs along the way. They were fortunate to have
amazing neighbors who became much more than neighbors; they became family.
Like many people, Billy faced struggles throughout his life. But in January 1985, he made a
decision that would change not only his own life but the lives of countless others. He embraced
sobriety, and this past January, he celebrated an incredible 41 years of being sober.
Over those 41 years, Billy helped more people than anyone could ever count. He drove
countless miles to be there for someone in need, made thousands upon thousands of phone
calls to remind people they were not alone, and eventually mastered texting and email, sending
just as many messages through those channels. Whether it was a simple hello, a listening ear, a
little advice, or an inspiring message at just the right time, Billy showed up for people. He gave
his time, his heart, and his support freely and genuinely.
We may not have always seen that side of Billy, but we always knew it was there. Those who
experienced his kindness, encouragement, and unwavering willingness to help will carry a piece
of him with them forever.
Billy loved spending time with family and friends. He loved to laugh, joke around, shop, get
dressed up, play golf, and go on vacation. He knew how to enjoy life and, in his own way, make
every moment a little more memorable.
As the years passed, Billy’s family continued to grow. His son, Christopher, married Kelly, and
they moved to Long Island. Some years later, Kimberley married Mike, and they, too, made their
home on Long Island. Christopher and Kelly blessed Billy and Eileen with three beautiful
grandchildren: Brayden his Shining Star , Madison his Little Princess, and Ryan his Little Man.
They quickly became the center of Billy’s world and brought him a special kind of happiness that
only grandchildren can bring.
Wanting to be closer to their growing family, Billy and Eileen made the move to Long Island in
November 2016. But while his home address may have changed, Billy’s heart never left
Brooklyn.
He continued making the drive back and forth, sometimes two or three times a week, putting
countless miles on his Jeep. Brooklyn was more than the place where he grew up; it was a part
of who he was. His roots, his memories, his friendships, and so much of his life would always be
there.
Although Billy had only two children of his own, he had countless others who considered him a
second father. His children’s friends, his nieces and nephews, and so many others were
welcomed into his life and heart as if they were his own. There are far too many to name, but
each of them knows the special place they held in Billy’s life.
Billy lived a life full of adventure, love, laughter, challenges, and, ultimately, tremendous
purpose. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a beloved brother, a loyal
friend, and a source of strength and hope to so many people.
His legacy is not measured only by the years he lived, but by the countless lives he touched, the
people he helped, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely.
Billy will be remembered for his unmistakable Brooklyn spirit, his big heart, his sense of humor,
and his willingness to show up for the people who needed him most.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.