Obituary of Steven H. Holley

Cohocton – Steven Howard Holley, 77 years of age, passed away early Wednesday morning February 18, 2026 at his home. Steve was born February 20, 1948 in Ithaca the son of Harlond E. and Esther(Allen) Holley. Throughout the years, Steve resided in Ithaca, Hornell, Elmira and since 1973 he has lived in Cohocton. Steve was a member of the Corning Local Carpenters Union for 45 years. He took pride in big projects that he worked on at the Corning Glass Museum, Cornell University and the construction of Irondequoit Mall. Steve and Mary Kay Gould lived together in Cohocton since the mid 1990’s and married at the town of Cohocton Gazebo on September 25, 2010. Mary Kay passed away just two weeks prior on February 5, 2026. Steve, also affectionately known as Vern, loved NASCAR and following drivers Chase Elliott, Mark Martin and Bill Elliott. He spent his free time tinkering in his garage, his latest project was rebuilding a dune buggy. He loved to talk with family and friends about car engines and repair projects. He was a lifelong Ford supporter and enjoyed reading about Ford products. The man could fix anything…. small engines, the furnace, the washing machine, a vacuum, the lawn mower. This resulted in him never wanting to throw away any part because it could be of use in the future. What are we going to do with all of those parts dating back to 1973? He was an avid Democrat who closely followed the news and talked with Mary Kay and family members about his political views. In his younger years Steve really enjoyed deer and turkey hunting with Ben. Once Ben expressed an interest in something, Vern was all-in doing the research and finding the best tactics. He often spoke of his memories of hunting duck and goose as a kid. While they never really experienced much success at hunting Steve seemed to enjoy just being out there knowing Ben was having a good time. Steve was pre-deceased by his father, Harlond Holley; his mother, Esther Phelps; his wife, Mary Kay Holley; his sister, Linda Lamphila; his father in law, James H. Crossett Jr.; his brother in law, Mark Crossett. Steve is survived by his children, Jeff (Kelly) Holley of Livonia, Shane Holley of FL and Brook (David) Baumgartner of Rochester; his step children, David Gould of OH, April Gould of Rochester and Ben Gould of Cohocton; his grandchildren, Brandon Holley, Jordan Holley, Thomas Rink, Alison Baumgartner and Sam Baumgartner; his siblings, Jim (Kathy) Holley of FL, John (Lisa) Holley of MT, Ken (Tina) Holley of NC, Carol (Ed) Kainen of NV, Janet (Roger) Roman of Ithaca, his brother in law, Lloyd Lamphila; of Ithaca; his step-mother Fay Herrneckar of Hornell, his mother in law, Katharine Crossett of Wayland; Mary Kay’s siblings, John (Patti) Crossett of Wayland and Linda (Jim) Wallace of Wayland; along with many nieces and nephews. Steve’s family and friends may call Thursday February 26, 2026 from 4-7pm at St. George-Forsythe Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St., Wayland. Steve’s funeral service will be Friday February 27, 2026 at 10am at the funeral home. Committal prayers and interment will take place with his wife, Mary Kay at St. Pius Cemetery later this spring or early summer.