Michael J. Holva

Michael J. Holva, Sr., 88, of Bethlehem, died on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at his home. He was born January 29, 1926 in Bethlehem; son of the late Michael S. and Elizabeth (Yenca) Holva. Michael was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth Marie (Bolash) Holva.

He served in the US Navy during WWII as a 2nd Class Aviation Electrician. Michael was able to use those skills in his career of 45 years with the Bethlehem Steel Co. as an armature winder in the electrical repair shop. He also tended bar at Northampton Country Club for over 50 years. Michael was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bethlehem Twp. for 66 years. He enjoyed cheering on his children, then grandchildren at their athletic events. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame High School, Lehigh University Sports and the Phillies.

Michael dedicated his life to his family and will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Janet, wife of Edward DeSipio of Havertown, PA; sons, Michael J. Holva, Jr. and his wife, Barbara of Bethlehem Twp.; Joseph M. Holva and his wife, JoAnn of Easton; James M. Holva and his wife, Chris, of Bangor; and David Holva and fianc, Michelle Pizzo of Collegeville, PA; as well as 14 grandchildren, Brooke, Jeffrey, Joseph, Lori, Michael, Kristen, Amanda, Blair, Jimmy, Kaitlyn, Claire, Matthew, Alex and Andrew and one great- grandson, Gehrig. He is also survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Morris and Margaret Kolesnik. Michael was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Moser, Helen Hasenecz, Ann Vasko, Sophie Ruggiero, Irene Zweifel and brothers, Stephen and Francis Holva.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 8, 2014 from 5-8 p.m. and again on Monday from 8:30-9:30 AM at The Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem PA 18018. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM on Monday, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1817 First St., Bethlehem, PA 18020. Interment will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Visitation
Sunday, June 8, 2014
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Visitation
Monday, June 9, 2014
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, June 9, 2014
10:00 AM
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
1817 First St.
Bethlehem PA 18020
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531