Obituary
Herbert "Herbie" Holzman, 70, passed away in Oceanside, California on the afternoon of October 8, 2022. Herbie is survived by his loving wife, Michelle, his adoring mother Audrey Holzman, his two children Jesse Holzman (Tom Doctor) and Alec Holzman (Svetlana), Sisters Carole Holzman Sears and Lisa (David) Bemoras; treasured family member of Scott (Debbie) Sears, Matt (Samantha) Sears, Michael (Natalie) Bemoras, Danielle (Benjamin) Lazarov, Jody (Dennis) Barnett, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.
Herbie was born in Chicago on March 9, 1952 to Audrey and Milton "Mickey" Holzman. He spent his early years in Skokie, IL where he made lifelong friendships with Chuck Weisberg, Bruce Froy, Robbie Howard, Chuck Cherney, TJ London, and Alan Barinholtz. He graduated Evanston Township High School, and attended The Ohio State University, followed by Depaul University in Chicago for Law School. After serving as a public defender, he became a sole practitioner before forming Barinholtz and Holzman subsequently becoming the firm of Barinholtz, Holzman and Gault.
Herbie married Jody in 1976 and was a loving father to their two children, Jesse and Alec. While they were growing up, Herbie could often be found on the field – if he wasn't coaching, he was in the bleachers or on the sidelines. Many of Jesse's friends affectionately knew him as Coach Herb. Herbie never missed a game or recital, and could almost always be convinced to read one more bedtime story.
Herbie later found someone special to him, Michelle, and after a few years of living in Chicago together, they moved to California. They got married, moved into a retirement community, and spent their days playing pickleball, hiking, and enjoying the weather.
One thing we will all remember about Herbie is how hard he loved others. He often loved others more than he loved himself. Herbie was quick to offer to help someone in a bind and he was always willing to lend an ear and pass on meaningful advice, support and love. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial to honor and remember Herbie's life will be held on October 21st at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. The service will begin at 10am. Following the service there will be a private burial for his immediate family. Shiva will begin following the service on Friday October 21, 2022. For additional information on shiva or for a link to view the service online, visit Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalom2.com, 847-255-3520.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) which is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong and resilient communities through positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness and overall health and well-being. https://www.nrpa.org/ or https://donate.nrpa.org/CSiDonate/Give.aspx/QEXZWU1H#c