John Raymond Holsey

John Raymond Holsey passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024  surrounded by his wife Jeanne, his daughter Erica and his son Brian, due to complications from leukemia.

John was born on February 7, 1951 to Walton B. and Frances M. Holsey in Pasadena, MD. At age 7 his family moved to Baltimore city where his intense love of learning began when he discovered the Pratt Library. For years to come he would spend most Saturdays at the library and the YMCA. A couple years later he developed a passion for music after joining the school band as a trumpet player. When the Beatles arrived on the scene John knew he had to learn to play the guitar. Over the years, John played in various soul and rock bands as both a trumpet player and a guitarist. In the later stages of his musical journey, he added piano to his repertoire. He was a true musical connoisseur.

When he graduated from high school he began working his way through college at Towson State College, where–during his first week on the campus–he met his future wife, Jeanne, with whom he would spend the next 54 years of his life.

Although he had to put his college aspirations on hold for over 30 years due to a draft notice in ’72, he went on to have a successful career servicing X-ray equipment for several manufacturing companies. He eventually started his own X-ray servicing company with a friend, which continues to this day. John and Jeanne decided to marry in 1973. They lived in California for 8 years where the joys of their lives were born, Erica in ’84 and Brian in ’86. To say that they were proud of their children would be a huge understatement. In fact, John’s children’s happiness and well-being became the most important goal in his life.

Eventually, the family returned to their roots in Maryland. The success of his company and Jeanne’s career as a special education teacher allowed them the time and opportunity to fulfill many life goals including trips to Europe, dancing and many hours spent playing guitar and singing together. 

John’s incredible generosity, love of learning, passion for music and his never-ending search to find truth in all things are traits that impacted those around him and that will live on in his family forever.

Family and friends can pay their respects Thursday, April 25th from 4 to 7 pm at Harry H. Witzke Family Funeral Home in Ellicott City, MD, where the memorial service will be held Friday, April 26th at 11 am.  There will be an opportunity to share an anecdote about John at the service. If you’d prefer to have it read by someone else, please email to droachejr@msn.com.

Please consider making a donation to the Hit Me With Music Foundation, which provides high quality music education to children in Baltimore City. https://www.hmwmfoundation.org/charity-organization-donate

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