The officers and members of the Jacksonville Retired Firefighter Association are saddened to report that

Retired JFRD Chief of Rescue Harold H. Hollander passed away 12/17/2024.

A graveside service will be held 12:30 Friday January 03, 2025 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery 4083 Lannie Rd.

April 24, 1946 - December 17, 2024

Harold Hollander passed into the loving arms of Jesus on December 17, 2024. He was the beloved husband to wife, Ann Hollander, for 52 years prior to her passing in 2018. He is survived by son Erik (daughter-in-law Drenna), and daughter Sibylle (son-in-law Robert), Grandfather of Noah (24), Brady (21), Anna (18). He was brother to Yvonne Potter, brother-in-law to Martha and Denny Jelsma, Betsy Finch, and Grace Alarcon, uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, and faithful friend to others from work and social life.

Harold was born to Sibylle Pohl in Ansbach, Germany on April 24, 1946, then immigrated to Jacksonville, Florida in 1951, and was adopted by Sam Hollander in 1955. Harold graduated from Englewood High School in 1964, and joined the U.S. Air Force in Homestead, Florida where he married the love of his life, Ann, in March of 1966. He served for four years active duty and two in the reserves until he was honorably discharged. They eventually moved back to Jacksonville to build a wonderful family together. In 1969 he began his career in the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, where he quickly ascended the ranks. His greatest achievement was his appointment to the Division Chief of Rescue in 1991 to 1995. He retired in 2004 after 35 years of service as a Battalion Chief in Rescue. Harold was the first paramedic assigned to work on Life Flight Air Ambulance Service in Jacksonville.

Harold was a dedicated, loving husband, father, son, grandpa, friend, brilliant mind, and true family man. Generous beyond measure, He took care of those he loved. To his family, he was “DAD”, mentor, example, provider, hero, and vacation “czar”. Known by many of his pals as “Ole Weird”, his humor was joyous, he liked to have fun and always shared it.

Most of all, however, his most important legacy was the spiritual faith he fostered in his family. In a recently uncovered memoire... Harold wrote the following: “If anyone ever asks how I want to be remembered, please say the following about me: I, Harold, am a sinner saved by the grace of my Lord Jesus Christ.”

Harold will forever be in our hearts and minds. We miss you, Dad.