John C. “Jack” Holzer, age 89 of Waterford, died Monday, March 26, 2012 at Saint Vincent Health Center. Born in Buffalo, NY on March 5, 1923, he was a son of the late Frank and Christine Elizabeth Tauer Holzer.

Holzer, John C. Jack grew up in Buffalo and entered the United States Army, serving during WWII with the Ski Troops of the 10th Mountain Division. A few years after he returned home, he started his own business in marine contracting, which included deep sea diving, salvaging and tugboat jobs, mostly on Lake Erie. He operated this business for many years while also managing ski resorts during the winter months.

Later, Jack owned and operated an excavating business, which he continued after moving to Waterford, and he also worked at Mount Pleasant Ski Lodge in Edinboro. For pleasure, Jack enjoyed skiing, sailing, and gardening.

Those preceding him in death include his brother, Frank “Bud” Holzer, and his sister, Kathryn Sullivan.

Jack’s surviving family members include his wife of 51 years, Rosalee Bowen Holzer; six children– John Carlton Holzer and his wife Becky, and Craig Allen Holzer and his wife Jodi, all of Florida, D’Arcy Zulick of Java Center, NY, Dawn Holzer of Logan, UT, Jackie Holzer of Lebanon, OH, and Curt Holzer and his wife Pam of Waterford; 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; and his mother-in-law, Rose Bowen.

Visiting hours will be at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford, on Thursday evening from 7-9 pm. There will be no funeral service and final burial will be private.