William F. Holland

William Francis "Bill" Holland returned to the Lord on March 24, 2021.  We are deeply grateful for our wonderful family, friends and community for the support and laughs that greatly comforted Bill.

Born April 13, 1949 in Hancock, NY to John and Lois (Williams) Holland, Bill graduated from Susquehanna Community High School in 1967.  He served his country as a sergeant in the Air Force from 1968 to 1972 prior to focusing on his passion as a dairy farmer.  Bill began his career in farming in Thompson and then Pleasant Mount, PA.  In 1981 he started farming in Marathon, NY.  Bill was a member of St. Stephen’s Church and Tractors of Yesteryears.     

Bill loved working the land, hunting, and watching his kids and grandkids play sports alongside his high school sweetheart and love of his life, wife Sandra L. (Collins).  Bill leaves behind his sons William (Kathleen) and James (Rose Ann), and daughter Rebecca (Michael New).  Known as Papa, “Buddies Forever,” he was idolized by his grandchildren:  Daniel and Olivia (Bill and Kathy); Eilie and Conor (Jim and Rose Ann); Cassandra, Annabelle, Savoy, Parker and Francis (Rebecca and Mike). 

He is also survived by his mother, Lois Sanford; brother Steve and wife Fawn Holland; sister Kathy and husband Jim Woodmansee; sister Susan and husband Wayne McCormick;  and Jude Todd (brother Jack Holland predeceased in 2017); Linda Collins and Donna Byrne; Marguerite (Collins) and John Byrne; Tom and Barbara Collins.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Marathon, NY, on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. with Reverend Paul Alciati, celebrant.  Burial will be in Marathon Cemetery at a later date.  The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bill’s memory to a charity of your choice: to the Marathon Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 131, Marathon, NY 13803, or to the Marathon Central School Scholarship Fund, 24 Albro Road, Marathon, NY 13803.