William D. Hollenback Jr.

Rhinebeck – William D. “Bill” Hollenback Jr., 85, a longtime resident of Rhinebeck, passed away peacefully at his home on August 16, 2018, with his daughter by his side.

Born of humble but proud beginnings, the son of a coal miner, Bill grew up in Scranton, PA. A stellar athlete, he lettered in four sports, breaking a Pennsylvania state record for track and field, and earning a full football scholarship to Notre Dame. After spending one year with the Fighting Irish, family concerns caused him to return home, where he ultimately graduated from the University of Scranton.  Upon graduating from college, he entered the Army to serve his country, rising to the rank of first lieutenant.

On June 22, 1957, he married the love of his life, Mary Margaret “Mimi” Dunn, in Scranton. She predeceased him in 2006, just six months shy of their 50th wedding anniversary.

In the mid-1960s, the couple moved to the Hudson Valley, where Bill spent 25 years working at IBM.  There, his creativity in applying technology to good causes earned him an award for altruistic innovation from the company (an honor given to only 10 employees worldwide each year). Funding related to the award allowed him to take early retirement from IBM in order to work at the Astor Home for Children in Rhinebeck, where, for a decade, he strove to improve literacy for the residents through the early use of computer technology.

Bill was also an active parishioner at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Rhinebeck for many years, serving as a Eucharistic  Minister. 

Bill’s brilliant mind, kind soul, warm wit, his deep love for his family, and gentle and generous nature, will serve as his legacy. Whether executing a perfect tarte tatin as a gift to friends, or sharing laughs with a cigar in one hand and a gin martini in the other, he is certain to be recalled fondly by all who knew him. 

In addition to his wife, Bill was predeceased by his parents, William and Irene (née Grady) Hollenback, his sister, Elizabeth Neary, and by three children, William, Mary and Michael. He is survived by his daughter, Bridget Hollenback, as well as six nieces and nephews.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours. Memorial donations in Bill Hollenback’s honor can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, your local pet rescue group, or any organization that strives to make the world a better place.

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