Jacob Peter Holz Jr.

Jake grew up in Patchogue, Long Island, graduating from Patchogue High School in 1961. He then earned a degree in forestry from Paul Smith’s College, where he grew to love life in the Adirondacks. He went on to obtain his BS degree in land management from Syracuse University. Soon after, he enlisted in the Army, serving in Germany and Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1971 and returned to Saranac Lake. He spent the rest of his life here in the North Country, working 35 years for the New York State Office of Real Property services.

Jake truly enjoyed fast boats and snowmobiles as well as riding his quarter horse, Colonel, making the best of all seasons here. He was also active in rescuing and saving abandoned and feral cats, the last of which, Shorty, died earlier this year at 24 years old. About 20 years ago he moved from busy Saranac Lake to the quieter life at Lake Clear.

Jake is survived by his brothers, Phil of Cooperstown, and Ray of Sayville, and his nieces, Geremy Borys and family of Rochester, and Genelin Shea and family of Medford. In an amazing coincidence, his beloved Mom, Minnie, died at age 101 on the same day in Sayville.

Friends wishing to remember Jake may make memorial contributions to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society in Saranac Lake in his memory. Friends and family can also share their memories and condolences at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements are being developed for a joint service for Jacob and Erminia in Patchogue, under the direction of the Robertaccio Funeral Home in Patchogue.

The Holz family would especially like to thank his caregivers, Carol Fletcher and Laurie Woodruff for their excellent care and patience as Jake’s health issues increased over the last year.