Holland Abilay's Obituary
Holland D. Abilay, age 85, a longtime resident of North Royalton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Holland is survived by his three children: Darlene Abilay (Bryon Verhoeven), John Abilay, and Melissa Abilay Hilsenroth (Troy); his five beloved grandchildren, Madeline Abilay, Trey Hilsenroth, Kennedy Hilsenroth, Lincoln Hilsenroth, and Zoey Hilsenroth; as well as nieces, a nephew, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorenzo Padayhag Abilay and Maria Salome Abilay; his sister, Cleopatra Abilay; and his devoted wife, Flora Grace Abilay.
Holland was a mechanical engineer at the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, where he worked until his retirement in 1991. During his career, he played a role in the construction of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant and helped design its internal layout. Prior to the plant’s opening, he proudly took his family on a pre-opening tour. A lifelong builder and problem-solver, Holland found joy in working with his hands and creating things both large and small.
Holland especially loved traveling with his wife Grace. Together, they enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas, Windsor, Canada, and Atlantic City, New Jersey—destinations that brought them joy, adventure, and cherished memories. Whether traveling or at home, Holland valued time spent side by side with his wife.
He built the interior of a maxi van from scratch for family road trips when his children were young, constructed the enclosed deck at the family home in North Royalton alongside his son John, and remodeled the basements in both the Parma and North Royalton homes. Holland also passed along his love of cars to John, who worked alongside him on repairs throughout his childhood.
Holland cherished time spent with his family. He shared a love of reading with his daughter Darlene, particularly the Alex Cross series by James Patterson. He and his daughter Melissa bonded over ice cream, a tradition that began with the family’s first visit to Honey Hut and continued throughout the years. A lover of science, Holland enthusiastically assisted—often taking the lead—on Melissa’s science projects. He also helped his grandson Trey build a Pinewood Derby car during his time in Boy Scouts.
A devoted grandfather, Holland delighted in making his grandchildren laugh with silly faces and playful antics. He enjoyed introducing them to his creative food combinations, from spaghetti sandwiches to ice cream tacos made with pancakes. He loved watching Madeline dance in the living room to “Who Let the Dogs Out,” and treasured family trips to Virginia, where he took his grandchildren fishing and crabbing, swam at Virginia Beach, collected sand dollars and seashells, and helped Madeline navigate the water away from jellyfish. These moments created lasting memories that his family will forever hold dear.
Holland was an avid Ohio sports fan, faithfully watching every Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, Indians (Guardians), and Ohio State Buckeyes football game. He especially loved baseball and considered the Indians his favorite team. While watching games with his wife Grace, the two could often be heard cheering loudly in celebration. During Browns games, Holland was known for his humorous exclamation, “Ay Camote,” whenever things went awry—a phrase fondly remembered by his family.
Family and friends will be received on Friday, February 13, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Yurch Funeral Home, Parma, Ohio. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 14, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Albert the Great Church in North Royalton, Ohio, followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.
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