BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. — Lavern Collins Holden, 88, passed away peacefully June 13, 2025, in Bonita Springs, under the loving care of hospice.

Born Sept. 25, 1936, in Torpedo, Pa., Lavern was raised in nearby Cyclone by his parents, Ella Dey Holden and Earl Collins Holden. He grew up alongside his younger sister, Loretta, who he admired greatly. Lavern’s childhood life was much like that of Opie of Mayberry. He loved fishing, hunting and trapping with his dad and grandpa — a love that would last his entire life. They taught him how to find a beehive in the woods, pick blackberries, and tap maple trees and make maple syrup.

He had a love for music as well, playing both the piano and coronet. He performed in his high school’s orchestra, band, drum and bugle corps.

Lavern married Katherine Stroup of Bradford and together they raised three sons: Bill, Scott and Kevin. Lavern was endlessly proud of his children and grandchildren — Yana (with her partner, Elliot), Joseph (and his wife, Brittany), and his youngest granddaughter, Tara — as well as his daughter-in-law, Melanie. Family meant everything to Lavern, and his home was a gathering place for laughter, love and the occasional fish fry.

Lavern’s passion for big game hunting took him to the wilds of Maine and beyond — one such trip even prompted a home addition to display the impressive moose trophy he brought home. He also bowled in a league, played regular rounds of golf, and served as a first mate on a Lake Erie fishing charter.

Lavern loved to be with his family and cousins. Picnics, holidays and group birthday celebrations were his favorite. He kept the same friends from his childhood throughout his life. He was kind, funny (a very dry sense of humor) and always ready to help others.

He retired at the age of 55 from his career as a lineman for Penelec Electric Co., embracing the chance to spend more time doing what he loved most: being outdoors, with his family, and fully living each day.

Lavern’s presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.