Carl Richard Hollinger

The best portion of a good man's life: his little, nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love." -William Wordsworth

Carl R. Hollinger, affectionately known as Rick, passed away May 19th, 2026, at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer that showed his steadfast nature and resilience.

Rick was born in Lancaster County, to parents, Charles R. and Jean E. Hollinger. Rick leaves his wife of 53 years, Carla. Together, they raised their three children, Rick, Carla, and Betty in Akron, instilling strong work ethics and values of laughter, loyalty, and love for one's family. He was an admirable team member and leader working for Alumax, formally known as Alcoa, retiring after 39 years.

He was a craftsman with many talents. A gifted woodworker, he created heirloom quality furniture as sturdy as the man who built it. His inventive mind was also keen on solving problems and had a knack for fixing things that were broken, often with creative solutions. He was good at taking what was broken and making them whole.

As a man of abundant energy, he stayed busy and always found something to do. Rick was always cheerfully helping someone without expecting anything in return. If someone needed work done, Rick was the man for the job. He regularly volunteered his time to help family, friends, and neighbors to fix vehicles, complete home projects, or happily complete yardwork. He liked mowing the grass (his grass or other people's grass), often cruising on a riding mower while listening to his music. A man who always looked to help others, the only thing he looked for in return was good conversation and company. After retiring, you could count on Rick to just pop-in for a cup of coffee and a chat.

Rick had an appreciation for humor, revealing it often to make his granddaughters, Zoe, Lily, and Jaci, smile. He spent many weekends with his family camping in Raystown, kayaking on the river, and floating around the lake on his pool noodle. Known to his granddaughters as Pampy, he became their personal chauffeur, cheerleader, and buddy. A devoted fan to all their endeavors, even throughout the course of his illness.

Rick never complained, maintaining good spirits through doctor visits and treatments often cracking jokes with the nurses and doctors. The care he received brings tears to our eyes as we witnessed the kindness he received and allowing us to see the beautiful side of this life.

Even though Rick has physically left this earth, our family chain shall not be broken. His presence will be with us for the rest of our lives as he continues to watch over and care for those that he loved in life.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Charles R. and Jean E. Hollinger, and three siblings, Charles, Barbara, and Bonnie. He is survived by his wife, Carla Hollinger; children, Rick Hollinger, Carla Hollinger, and Betty Wolfe and husband Tony; granddaughters, Zoe Korpi and her husband Samuel, Lily Wolfe, and Jaci Wolfe; sister, Vicki; and brother, Douglas.

The family requests a private service and in lieu of flowers, people may instead pay it forward by doing something nice for someone else just as Rick would have done.