Henry D. Holka, 82, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on April 18, 2016at Niagara Hospice House. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Henry and Martha (LeMay) Holka.

Henry was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls. He attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School. Henry served in the United States Army during the Korean War from October 15, 1954 until his honorable discharge on October 6, 1956. On August 17, 1957 he married Barbara A. (Soluri) Holka at the former Our Lady of Lebanon Church. Henry enrolled in an apprenticeship program to become a journeyman electrician. He went on to become a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 237 in Niagara Falls and worked at various local construction sites until his retirement in 1996.

Henry was an outstanding athlete in his younger years, and very active with the Niagara Falls Boys Club. He was a champion diver, and went undefeated in his senior year of high school. He was also a Golden Gloves boxer, and at the age of 14 was the North American Pullup Champion. During that time, he also worked as a lifeguard at the Hyde Park Big Pool. In 2004, Henry was inducted into the Niagara Falls Old Timers Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments. Henry enjoyed taking daily walks on Goat Island. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who were his pride and joy.

In addition to his loving wife of 58 years, Henry is survived by three children, Joel A. (Cindy) Holka of Ransomville, Jill A. (Richard) BonGiovanni of Sanborn and James A. (Diana) Holka of Niagara Falls; four grandchildren, Michael BonGiovanni, Jordyn J. Holka, Jude A. Holka and Jorian J. Holka; two step- grandsons, Michael and Marcus Murphy. He is also survived by one aunt, Jane E. (late Joseph) Soluri, his brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard F. (late Lydia) Soluri of Lewiston, Robert (Sharon) Soluri of Lakeland, FL, Beverly (late Michael) Crocker of Panama City, FL and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was the brother of the late, Mary Lou (late Ricardo) Garfalo, Raymond Holka, Paul Holka, Calvin (Micky of Niagara Falls) Holka, Andrew Holka, and son-in-law of the late Anthony P. and Ann Marie Soluri.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 3 – 7 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where funeral services will begin on Friday April 22nd at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. John de LaSalle Church 8477 Buffalo Ave. Niagara Falls, NY. Entombment with Military Honors in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice 4675 Sunset Drive Lockport, NY 14094.