Larry Holland

On Sunday, August 28, 2022, Larry Holland quietly transitioned from labor to his heavenly reward. Unbeknownst to many, Larry had some health challenges but never complained and only family and a close circle of friends were aware of his opposition

Larry was born July 5, 1947, to the late Bernard and Martha Holland. He was the oldest of four siblings, one brother preceded him in death.

Larry was inventive, creative, caring, kind, and loving, and from an early age insisted that his siblings maintained good school grades. He checked our homework every night and two or three times a week we had to read books to each other. Larry insisted that when we read, it had to be with expression paying close attention to all the basic rules of grammar. He participated in many Spelling Bee Contests as directed by his teachers and we as a family followed him to every contest. We, his siblings, were in awe at his wisdom and he surely made life a little easier for our parents because they trusted how he mentored and taught us innovative things. Our parents even allowed him to give each one of us household chores which he distributed fairly, and he also took an active part in the chores. Larry had a special connection and love for all animals, and they would attach themselves to him even when he was not their owner. Our home was the only house in the general area that had ducks, chickens, a monkey, birds, turtles, and anything else that our parents allowed in the house. As he grew older, he married the love of his life, Shirley Young who became Mrs. Shirley Young Holland in 1988. They became a blended family with her son Ajahi and later born to this union was Bernard Ayinde. Shirley preceded Larry in death on December 6, 2020; her death and the death of his younger brother in April of 2021 took a toll on Larry and he missed them both immensely. Feeding homeless animals provided his peace and sharing the caretaking duties of his Dad, Mom, and younger brother prior to their demise; he was the full-time caretaker for his wife, of his wife Shirley, of 33 years. Larry always availed himself to others who needed a helping hand or a listening ear. He remained a strong prayerful being and continued living his life as a father, a wonderful brother to his sisters, a favored uncle, and a treasured friend.

Larry attended Cardinal Dougherty High School and after graduation honored his country through four years of Military service in the Army. He became known in the ranks as a boxer with a powerful ‘Uppercut,” and became the 7th Army Champion, Welterweight Division. He continued boxing professionally after retiring from the army as a Sargeant and then began training and mentoring the younger boxers by request,  His work history varied from working for Septa for many years and then working for the City of Philadelphia as an Enforcement Officer until his retirement. Many admired Larry for he was a dapper dressed man with hats for every occasion and a humble personality.

Larry was raised under the Catholic Church’s doctrine however he never dismissed the fact that denomination could never take the place of his relationship with Jesus Christ. He often spent some Sundays on the Livestream services of the First Baptist Church of Darby where the Rev. Dr. Raymond Merriweather is the Pastor and Larry’s sister is the First Lady. Larry had a consistent effectual prayer life and was assured of his salvation and heavenly rewards.

He leaves to cherish his memories 5 children:  Christopher Fountain (Tammy), Larry Fountain (Nelly), Ajahi Young, Ashant’a Furmon (Rob), Bernard Ayinde Holland (Anjelica); 2 sisters:  Carolyn Alessi, Deborah Merriweather (Rev. Raymond); 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, social friends, special friends,  (Too many to mention names), and associates. 

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