Obituary of Dennis Glenn Hollback

Dennis Glenn Hollback passed away January 13, 2022 in the early hours of the morning after a battle with COVID-19 pneumonia. He was not alone – his sister, Judy, was with him during his illness and passing. He was born January 22, 1954 in Ashtabula, Ohio as the only son of Herbert “Tiny” Hollback and Helen Hollback. Dennis lived his life by four tenets: read voraciously, ride fast, rock out, and cook for an army. A lifelong biker, Dennis, along with other members of his family, was a frequent participant in charity events such as Ashtabula Special Olympics organized by CMRO Region 13 Motorcycle Organization. Other events held by the CMRO organization where Dennis participated were the Toy Run, Covered Bridge Run, and the membership Fun Run. If he didn’t ride, he frequently served as both cook and DJ at these fundraisers where he was best known for his Jambalaya. He often cooked at family cook-outs and holiday celebrations. He was a grill master and loved to BBQ. He loved to travel. One adventure with his sister Sissy was canoeing and camping in the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia where he would toss oranges at the crocodiles. He loved a good time. Dennis was a man of many talents. He was a self-taught genius. If he didn’t know how to do something, he grabbed a book or video and taught himself. He put Jeopardy contestants to shame. He missed very few questions. He could build or repair any type of engine. He was in the process of rebuilding older Harley Davidsons. He carried on the family trucking business: Tiny’s Trucking and then worked for many years at D&D Paving. In the late 70s and up to 1983, he worked as a bartender at Clay Street Inn and was voted “Ugly Bartender” during a Multiple Sclerosis Ugliest Bartender contest. As a father, Dennis set to ingraining in his sons, from a very young age, an appreciation for the finer things in life, chiefly, Tolkien, Zappa, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and piles of southern food. He was always on the search for new elements of his hobbies to share with his children. The next book series, the next big sci-fi blockbuster, another cult classic, new ingredients and new recipes, a rare live recording of a concert; you name it, he’d seen it, read it, or heard it and he wanted us to know it as well. Dennis will be remembered in the small moments of peace and comfort we find as we take joy in these lifelong hobbies that bring us nearer to him. The Grinch was a favorite nick name for Dennis from his sisters, but it was only in fun. He had a big heart. He loved his family and under the gruff exterior was a loveable man who would move the world for any member of his family – even the “rug rats”. He made large donations to the Veterans Food Pantry as an anonymous donor because he didn’t want the attention. And there were other acts of kindness that shall remain our secret. Dennis is survived by his two sons, Arthur and Leif; his two sisters, Anita Hollback and Judy Knight; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Herbert Hollback; his two sisters, Rhonda Sue Fisher and Shirley “Sissy” Wortman; his nephew, Glenn Knight; and his niece, Stacy Summers-Bliffin. No services are planned at this time. A spring memorial service will be announced for Dennis to be interred at Greenlawn Cemetery with his parents. There will also be an announcement for a Viking ceremony to be held as Norse history was a great passion and interest for Dennis. A favorite quote of Dennis will be on his headstone: “I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey.” If desired, in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the family for funeral expenses. Ducro Funeral Home and Crematory, 4524 Elm Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio is assisting the family. www.ducro.com