Raymond F. Holleran was born in Pittsburgh, PA on March 25, 1932. The son of Elizabeth Quigley Holleran and Patrick Holleran, he grew up in a part of town that earned its living in the neighboring steel mills. Central Catholic High School provided him with top-notch academic/athletic opportunities and he was awarded a scholarship to take classes and play football at the University of Pittsburgh. His greatest victory was meeting fellow student Marguerite Devlin, whom he married on the 4th of July, 1957. They recently celebrated their 66th year of marriage. Together, they enjoyed the excitement and the uncertainties of military life, and then relaxed into a steady lifestyle in Hampton, VA for the last 47 years.
While at Pitt, Ray enrolled in the ROTC program and his effort was rewarded with a 24 year career in the U.S Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. With early assignments in Field Artillery, he then transitioned to Army Aviation with tours flying artillery observation planes in Korea and reconnaissance in Germany flying the OV-1 Mohawk. His helicopter time included a tour in Vietnam flying the UH-1 Huey slick/gunship. He retired from flying as a Master Aviator, but his service with the Army was far from over. His later tours brought him into the project management role in the development of new tactical systems, including the early stages of the Global Positioning System (GPS). He continued with that expertise in the defense contractor role with several civilian corporations located in the Hampton Roads area after retiring at Fort Monroe in 1979.
An avid historian, he was a proud volunteer at the Ft Monroe Casemate Museum. He led tours discussing the importance of the military role in Hampton Roads’ development to groups ranging from school kids to US and international military groups. His dedication to the Casemate and Fort Monroe was only rivaled by his love for sports…TV, in person, and supporting the myriad of his sons’ athletic endeavors, as well as his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.
Ray is survived by his wife, Marguerite, son Mark Holleran and his wife Laine and their children Matt and Annie, son Sean Holleran and his wife Stacy, and their son Mason.
In lieu of flowers, Ray’s family requests that you make a donation to the support of Fort Monroe, VA…a designated National Monument. Please go to fortmonroe.org to make your donation.
Service and burial will be held at the Albert G Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery on July 24, 2023 at 10:00am. Funeral arrangements are by Altmeyer Funeral Homes. Condolences may be given at www.altmeyerfh.com
Dear Maggie, I am so sorry to hear about Ray passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cathy Freel
Maggie, we so very much appreciate the manner in which Ray, you, the Holleran Family, have provided so many years of service to our nation, our Willow Oaks community, Ft Monroe, and nearby Saint Mary’s school.
It was very sad to read of Ray’s passing. He was an excellent docent at the Hampton History Museum, but more importantly a dear friend who could always be counted on. My condolences to his family.
So sorry to hear about Rays passing. He taught me how to give tours at Fort Monroe. I will truly miss him. He’s now with the host of Heaven’s army.
I really enjoyed working with Ray at the casemate Museum. He will be missed by us all. Sending his family much love and peace always.
ar dheis de go raibh a anam
We are so saddened that our world no longer holds Ray. He was a mighty light to so many. He was the first to meet with us when we moved to Virginia, to help us look for housing and get oriented to the area. He was a generous and kind man who was always there to help in any way he could. We loved his stories about history and the depth of knowledge he shared. I loved being his favorite pharmacist! We will miss him so much and are grateful to have known him. Love, hugs, and prayers for his beloved Maggie. Our hearts are broken for her and the whole Holleran family.
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Raymond F. Holleran, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Army Veteran, Raymond F. Holleran, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †