Albert George Holt

Albert George Holt, 97, of Englewood, Florida passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Englewood Heath & Rehabilitation Center. Born in Schmalwasser, Germany to Anna Diem and Emil Holzheimer, he immigrated to the United States at the age of three and lived in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, growing up with his cousins. Albert graduated from Evander Childs High School in 1939, and joined the U. S. Army in February of 1942. He was a platoon Sargent for the 45th Infantry Division making a landing in Anzio. He served in North Africa; Sicily, Italy and France. He earned five Bronze Stars, a good conduct metal and a Silver Service Star. He was Honorably Discharged in November 1945. When he returned to the United States, he moved to the Bronx, New York where he worked for Dun & Bradstreet in Financial Sales after completing college at N.Y.U. Albert's family name, being originally "Holzheimer", he changed to "Holt" on return from World War II. He married his sweetheart, Jean P. Keeling and they had three children. The family then left the Bronx and moved to Somers, New York where they lived for fifty years. Al was active in the Boy Scouts of America and many community events. In November of 1984 Al and Jean bought one of the first Fiddlers Green Condos on Placida Road in Cape Haze Florida. They lived during the summers in Williamstown, Massachusetts and were Florida snowbirds for years before moving permanently into Fiddlers Green. He was the first President of Fiddlers Green Association and served for many years. He played golf from his teenage years until the age of 90. He loved playing golf and cards with is Fiddlers friends. He had a passion for storytelling and loved talking about his World War II adventures. Over the years, he and Jean made many trips to Europe to retrace his war route and visit relatives and the cemeteries of his fallen platoon buddies. His biggest passion until the day he passed was "The Ponies." He owned and raced thoroughbreds since the 60's. He loved betting on "long shots" especially when the won! His loving wife Jean pre-deceased him in 2014 after 68 years of marriage. He is survived by his three children, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who will miss him greatly. Everyone who met Al loved his sharp mind and zest for life. Inurnment of Albert and Jean will be in the Sarasota National VA Cemetery in Sarasota, Florida at a later date. Englewood Community Funeral Home with Private Crematory has been selected to handle arrangements. You may share a memory with the family at www.englewoodfh.com