Michael Harold Holohan, Sr. – "Harold" to his friends and "Granddad" to his family – passed away in Mission Viejo, California on December 2, 2017 at age 92.Michael was born in New York City on August 17, 1925, to Michael John and Mary Ellen Kelly Holohan, brother to John, Robert, Peggy and Eileen.

Michael served honorably in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II.He credited the dropping of the atomic bomb for his safe return from the war, and was a lifelong Democrat in gratitude to President Truman.

After returning from the war with medals and commendations, Michael met Mary Kate O'Brien, and the two were married on November 30, 1946.Their marriage would last 71 loving years until Michael's passing.Michael and Mary lived on Long Island and raised seven children: Michael, Jr., Patricia, Maureen, Brian, Eileen, Theresa and Patrick.In 1978 Michael and Mary moved to Southern California, and most of their children joined them.

Their family quickly grew with a total of seventeen grandchildren: Michael, Sean, Georg, Keith, Katie, Matthew, Ian, Paige, Brendan, William, Michelle, Erica, Andrew, Alicia, Danielle, Patricia and Ryan.At the time of Michael's passing the fourth generation was well underway with twelve great-grandchildren: Scarlet, Benjamin, Christian, Corinna, Vincent, Cadence, Shalyn, Wyatt, Eamon, Cormac, Gavin and Drake.

Michael was a devoted family man and took great pride in his sprawling clan.He loved to host large holiday gatherings, surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, welcoming as much extended family as could fit in his Mission Viejo home.As his family grew he treated his in-laws like his own flesh and blood.He was grateful for his long life with his family, once remarking that seeing his firstborn son turn seventy was one of the greatest thrills of his life.

Michael worked as a salesman until his retirement.A first-generation Irish American, Michael took great pride in his Irish heritage.His home was bedecked in emerald green, and the few spots on his walls that weren't covered in family photos were adorned with Irish flags, maps, coats of arms, and other cultural decorations.He adopted the lion from the Holohan coat of arms as a personal symbol, decorating his home with lion figures and wearing a lion's head ring.He was an avid golfer and bowler, a devout Catholic, a Knight of Columbus, and an Exalted Ruler of his local Elks Lodge.

Michael was cherished by all who knew him for his warmth, wit and humor, and he leaves behind a great legacy.He forged deep relationships with each member of his large family, all of whom will miss him dearly.

A wake will be held at McCormick & Son Mortuaries, 25000 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, California on December 6 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.A funeral mass will be given at Santiago de Compostela Catholic Church, 21682 Lake Forest Drive, Lake Forest, California on December 7 at 10:00 a.m.


Please join us in remembering Michael Harold Holohan. Through this site we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family.