John Holveck passed away on April 8, 2009.  An old student/family sadly said that John Holveck died from illness and a broken heart, since he had lost his dear wilfe, Eleanor, from a long illness in January 2009.   This family friend felt that he should let Mr. Holveck's old students know about his passing. Mr. Holveck did not want a death notice in the Pittsburgh newspapers. A very small memorial service was held at the funeral home.

Mr. Holveck received his PhD from Duquesne in approximately in 1973 and taught Philosophy at the various universities/colleges in the Pittsburgh area. He even received an MBA from Pitt in approximately 1979 and did consulting work too.  John Holveck worked at Duquesne in the administration of the Saturday College Program. He retired two years ago. Eleanor was the Chair of Duquesne's Philosophy Department. The campus of Duquesne was a big part of their lives--as the Holvecks met, worked and enjoyed their many friends there.   

John Holveck taught high school students at St Raphaels, St.  Joseph's High School in New Kensington and other schools.  This family friend said that all the the students looked up to John Holveck as a father figure. John Holveck was loved by many.  John Holveck was devoted to Eleanor and to the teaching profession.

Most importantly, Mr. Holveck was an inspiration to his students. This family friend said that he went into academia because of John Holveck's influence. There are many of our own classmates who are teachers.... see what kind of an influence that you can have on someone else....