Harold Jacob Hollabaugh

Harold Jacob Hollabaugh, beloved husband of Jane Irwin Hollabaugh and loving father of his children, went home to his Heavenly Father on Thursday, 12 October 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Harold was born on 10 May 1932, in Biglerville, PA, to Jacob Pierce Hollabaugh & Beulah Mae (Group) Hollabaugh, the penultimate of their seven children. Harold’s older siblings were George, Ruth Showers, William, Martha Adams, Mary Kuntz (still living); his twin brother, Donald, was the youngest.

Harold leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Jane, his sons James Pierce Hollabaugh, David Allen Hollabaugh & his family, daughter Aurora & her family, numerous nieces, nephews and others who have shared beautiful memories and great kindness through the years.

Harold graduated with the Class of 1950 from Biglerville High School. After working numerous other jobs within the fruit growing industry, from 1952-53 Harold discussed the possibility of beginning his own business with his father, “JP” Hollabaugh. January 1st, 1955 Harold started Hollabaugh Brothers, bringing his brother Donald into the business with him. The hours were demanding, as any farmer knows, and often required working around the clock as seasons and crops required. Though the farm started small, it gradually expanded with the purchase of numerous other farms and acreage. Harold and his brother worked together doing everything by themselves, including planting fruit trees and other crops, delivering truckloads of fruit, tomatoes and other produce, cultivating honeybees, making honey, as well as creating and running the original farm market. As the business grew, it was expanded into Hollabaugh Brothers, Inc. in 1982 to include his three nephews. Although Harold was retired in 2007, Hollabaugh Family Farm (as it is presently known) would not have existed without his inception, insight and intelligence.

Harold was well-known and highly respected by countless other fruit growers throughout the United States, attending and presenting at various events and conferences. He was also very active in the PA Farm Bureau for over 50 years, including serving as a Board Member. Harold became a member of the Adams Country Fruit Growers on the day Hollabaugh Brothers began and was Vice President of the Adams County Fruit Growers Association in 1973, serving on their board and being instrumental in creating programs, some of which are still active today. In addition to his fruit growing activities, Harold loved God’s beauty all around him. He spent some very special time with family and friends hunting and fishing throughout the United States, Canada and the Arctic Circle.

Harold was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church. He was baptized October 5th, 1934, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Biglerville. He later joined Bethlehem Lutheran Parish, where he was actively involved in many ways, sitting on various committees, teaching Sunday School and always sharing his love of God through music.

Harold was a charter member of the Gettysburg Civic Chorus, which began officially in February 1964, and was the only remaining original member of the group until his passing. He was also active in the Emmitsburg Community Chorus from 1970 to 1990. Harold enjoyed sharing his musical talents during numerous performances in association with the late Dr. Ronald R. Sider and The Central Pennsylvania Oratorio Singers and The Grantham Oratorio Society. He was extremely proud of his many years singing with Linda L. Tedford and The Messiah College Choral Arts Society (formerly known as The Grantham Oratorio Society), as well as other musical works with The Susquehanna Chorale where Linda L. Tedford was Director. Harold will be greatly missed by countless friends and colleagues who were fortunate to know him and be part of his life throughout the years. We are all better for having been in his presence.

Professional service have been entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home, Inc., 111 S. Main Street, Bendersville, PA 17306. Visitation at the funeral home will be held on Friday, 27 October 2023, from 4-8pm. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, 28 October 2023, inside Bethlehem Lutheran Church. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10am. The service will begin at 11am. Interment will be held at a later date, as determined by the family.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either Bethlehem Lutheran Parish or the Gettysburg Civic Chorus; both of these were an integral part of Harold’s life.