1921
WILLIAM
2011
WILLIAM "BILL" HARMON HOLLINGER
April 27, 1921 — April 10, 2011
William “ Bill “ Harmon Hollinger, 89, passed away in Aurora, OH on Saturday, April 9, 2011. He was born April 27, 1921 to Harold and Edith (James) Hollinger in Lisbon, OH.
He was a 1939 graduate of David Anderson High School, a 1943 graduate of Hiram College, and a 1947 graduate of Stanford University. Bill served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army and was awarded a Bronze Star for his service during World War II. He was the basketball and track coach at Ripon College in Wisconsin from 1948-1956, the Hiram College Liaison for the Cleveland Browns, and the head basketball and track coach, assistant football coach, and Athletic Director at Hiram College from 1956-1989. He also worked at Sea World, volunteered at Robinson Memorial Hospital, and was a frequent blood donor.
Bill was a member of the Hiram College Athletic Hall of Fame, the Portage County Athletic Hall of Fame, the National Athletic Directors Hall of Fame, and a member of the Garfield Society. He was the former chairman of the Ohio Athletic Conference Athletic Directors, and the former chairman of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Athletic Directors. Under his leadership the Hiram College Basketball Team won 5 conference championships, and 5 Division III district appearances, and he was named 5- time conference Coach of the Year. He was a 4-time member of NCAA Division III Selection Committee and was the only male full professor of Physical Education in Hiram College history. Bill also received the SMACO Award for 300 basketball victories, the Hiram College Distinguished Service Award, the Hiram College Lifelong Leadership Award, and the Ohio House of Representatives Distinguished Service Award.
Upon retirement Bill was honored and recognized by Washington & Jefferson College, John Carroll University, Thiel College, College of Wooster, Mount Union College, Bethany College, PAC Track Coaches, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Hiram College Athletic Hall of Fame, Hiram College Basketball Court, and the Coaches Corner at Hiram’s Coleman Athletic Center are all named in his honor.
He is survived by his daughters Jan (Peter) Jones of Cleveland Heights, Judy (Dr. Edward) Rugh of Beavercreek, Jeanne (David) Wilcoxon of Concord Township, Sue (Rick) Testa of Poland; grandchildren Jennifer Jones, Anne and Brian Rugh; Ashley, Erin, and Alexandra Wilcoxon; Meredith, Claire, and Brennen Testa. Bill also leaves his neighbor Pam Mallone; caregiver Jean Blazek; and dog Holly.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Esther (Nelssen).
All services are private and a public memorial service will be held at Hiram College on May 1, 2011. Go to www.hiram.edu for time and directions.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Hollinger Fund at Hiram College, attention of David Bishoff, P.O. Box 67, Hiram, OH 44234. Arrangements entrusted to Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home in Garrettsville, OH.
He was a 1939 graduate of David Anderson High School, a 1943 graduate of Hiram College, and a 1947 graduate of Stanford University. Bill served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army and was awarded a Bronze Star for his service during World War II. He was the basketball and track coach at Ripon College in Wisconsin from 1948-1956, the Hiram College Liaison for the Cleveland Browns, and the head basketball and track coach, assistant football coach, and Athletic Director at Hiram College from 1956-1989. He also worked at Sea World, volunteered at Robinson Memorial Hospital, and was a frequent blood donor.
Bill was a member of the Hiram College Athletic Hall of Fame, the Portage County Athletic Hall of Fame, the National Athletic Directors Hall of Fame, and a member of the Garfield Society. He was the former chairman of the Ohio Athletic Conference Athletic Directors, and the former chairman of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Athletic Directors. Under his leadership the Hiram College Basketball Team won 5 conference championships, and 5 Division III district appearances, and he was named 5- time conference Coach of the Year. He was a 4-time member of NCAA Division III Selection Committee and was the only male full professor of Physical Education in Hiram College history. Bill also received the SMACO Award for 300 basketball victories, the Hiram College Distinguished Service Award, the Hiram College Lifelong Leadership Award, and the Ohio House of Representatives Distinguished Service Award.
Upon retirement Bill was honored and recognized by Washington & Jefferson College, John Carroll University, Thiel College, College of Wooster, Mount Union College, Bethany College, PAC Track Coaches, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Hiram College Athletic Hall of Fame, Hiram College Basketball Court, and the Coaches Corner at Hiram’s Coleman Athletic Center are all named in his honor.
He is survived by his daughters Jan (Peter) Jones of Cleveland Heights, Judy (Dr. Edward) Rugh of Beavercreek, Jeanne (David) Wilcoxon of Concord Township, Sue (Rick) Testa of Poland; grandchildren Jennifer Jones, Anne and Brian Rugh; Ashley, Erin, and Alexandra Wilcoxon; Meredith, Claire, and Brennen Testa. Bill also leaves his neighbor Pam Mallone; caregiver Jean Blazek; and dog Holly.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Esther (Nelssen).
All services are private and a public memorial service will be held at Hiram College on May 1, 2011. Go to www.hiram.edu for time and directions.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Hollinger Fund at Hiram College, attention of David Bishoff, P.O. Box 67, Hiram, OH 44234. Arrangements entrusted to Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home in Garrettsville, OH.
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