Alton Everett Hollebeke Jr. (79), better known as “Buddy” or “Bud”, is now resting after a hard fight against a cancer diagnosis. He was at home, surrounded by his loving family when God called him home on October 12, 2024.

Born in El Paso, Texas, on April 7, 1945, Buddy was the first-born son to Alton E. Hollebeke Sr. and Florence Margaret (Gilmore) Hollebeke. True grit was ingrained in him from the beginning, as he was raised at Hollebeke Stables, the family horse ranch in El Paso, TX.

He graduated with the class of 1963 from Ysleta High School. He grew up doing things only a cowboy would do…things like arrowhead hunting and catching rattlesnakes in the desert, coyote and jackrabbit hunting, rodeos, and driving fast cars.

Thanks to his baby sister Bussie arranging a get-together, Buddy met Sharon Lee (Alviti) Hollebeke in 1978. Little did he know, that day he was introduced to his soulmate, his light, and love of his life. Soon enough, he was calling her “Sugar”, and became her husband on November 17, 1979 in Kermit, TX.

Buddy had a variety of jobs throughout his working years, but put in the most time in the oil and gas industry as an Electronic Technician for Chevron Pipeline. Buddy and Sharon moved their adventures between El Paso and Bradford for years, but eventually settled in Bradford with their 4 children. This November, Buddy and Sharon would have been celebrating 45 years of marriage.

Buddy was a man of many passions. He always got a thrill behind the wheel of his favorite cars or ATV’s. He had a gift of finding ways to DIY or home remedy most problems that arose in the family home. He invested so much of his time capturing his life behind a camera lens, as photography was one of his favorite life-time hobbies. He loved music – especially cranking it up as loud as it could possibly go over his record player and stereo system. He was better spoken in writing than in conversation – but was a gifted writer. When talking to him, he was the type of man who listened intently and always made you feel heard and important. He also couldn’t help but exude several of his inherited Texan traits – well-mannered, sometimes stubborn, but always proud of his roots and most of all, his family. He was a cherished father to two sons and two daughters, and adored his title of “Grampy” to all 14 of his grandkids. His love, hobbies and passions have forever made a mark and helped shape those closest to him.

Buddy is survived by: his wife Sharon (Alviti) Hollebeke of Bradford; his children, Micah (Hope) Hollebeke of Bradford, Amy Hollebeke of Bradford, Ira (Sarah) Hollebeke of Mt. Jewett, Mollie (Jordan) Janowiak of Free Soil, Michigan; and 14 grandchildren, Lucy, Cole, Elijah, Kadence, Haidan, Cullan, Rory, Jaxon, Sylas, Crosby, Evelyn, Emma, Josie and Julian. Also surviving: his siblings; Arlene (Tom) Christman of Pocatello, Idaho, Lloyd Hollebeke of El Paso, Texas, and

Mary “Bussie” Hollebeke of Bradford; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alton E. Hollebeke Sr., and his mother, Florence Margaret Hollebeke.

To honor his life, the Hollebeke family is holding funeral services at Mascho Funeral Home located at 75 Kennedy St., Bradford, PA 16701. A viewing will take place Wednesday, October 16, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm and is open to the public. A funeral service will be held Thursday, October 17, at 10:30 am and is also open to the public.

Contributions can be made in Buddy’s memory to any of the following organizations: American Cancer Society, 108R North Second St., Suite 1B, Clearfield, PA  16830, CARE for Children, P.O. Box 616, Bradford, PA  16701 or Kids & Cancer Benefit Run, P.O. Box 1299, Bradford, PA  16701.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.  

Online Condolences can be expressed at www.maschofuneral.com.