Earle Eugene Hollenbaugh, Jr.

Earle Eugene Hollenbaugh Jr.  passed away unexpectedly November 4, 2017 at his home in Catonsville Md.  Earle was the son of Elizabeth Kaine Hollenbaugh and Earle E. Hollenbaugh Sr.

He was predeceased by his parents and a brother Kenneth F. Hollenbaugh.  He is survived by siblings David Hollenbaugh and wife Mary Ann,  Daniel Hollenbaugh,  Nancy (Hollenbaugh) Heath and husband Ashley, half sister Marion Kaine, and half brother Charles Bosman and wife Marsha as well as a number of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.  Also his friend and companion of over 50 years, Kathy King and those friends and neighbors he often referred to as his “Catonsville Family”.

Earle was a graduate of Hugh C. Williams High School in Canton N. Y.,  and Catonsville Community College.  He was a longtime employee of the Federal Social Security Administration in Woodlawn Md., where he held positions of progressive responsibility including Disability Claims Processor and retiring as a Management Analyst from the Assistant Commissioners Office of Quality Assessment.  Earle also served as a union steward for the American Federation of Government Employees, local 1923 as well as the unions Health And Safety Committee.

Earle had a number of hobbies which gave him great joy.  The first was his music.  He was an accomplished guitarist who owned and played a number of guitars both for personal enjoyment and professionally.  He and a friend Dave formed the duo “Duce” and performed in numerous Baltimore clubs and taverns especially in the Fells Point area.  As an individual in his later years he twice won the “Catonsville Senior Idol” title.  His most recent venture in the music field was the setup, tuning and repair of guitars for friends and family members.

Earle was also a history buff.  He focused most of his attention on the American civil war, but could also be found reading and researching other history subjects and events.  He was a longtime member and office holder of The Baltimore Civil War Roundtable, a group that meets monthly to research and learn about the history of this conflict.

Earle was also an avid collector of sports memorabilia, working for Collectors Showcase Of America at their shows for many years.  A fan of Baltimore professional sports teams, he was especially a major fan of the Blast and Orioles whose games he attended often.  He and his brother David attended the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in Cooperstown N.Y. every year for over 20 years.  Earle also played golf and very much enjoyed his many golf outings, as well as his yearly sojourn to Myrtle Beach with his friends from SSA.

Earle enjoyed his trips to England to visit his sister, and was proud to become the unofficial “American ambassador” for the local BBC radio station.  He was a regular voice on a variety of subjects, offering an American perspective to the British public.  He contributed live and by telephone from his home in Catonsville, and many listeners will miss his knowledgeable and humorous contributions.

Earle was also a lover of cats and shared his apartment with his many feline companions for most of his adult life.  In lieu of flowers, those that wish may make a contribution to the Baltimore Humane Society, 1601 Nicodemus Rd.  Reisterstown Md. 21136, or other charity of their choice.

There is no memorial service planned at this time.  The family is planning to have a memorial gathering in the spring to celebrate and toast Earle’s life and legacy.