Leslie "Les" Stephen Hollo

Leslie “Les” Stephen Hollo, 60, of North Myrtle Beach, (formerly of The Bronx), passed away on March 15, 2024, due to complications from pancreatic cancer. Les leaves behind his eleven children: Barrett (30), Stephen (27), Whitaker (23), Bailey (17), Jackson (16), Decatur (15), Tennyson (14), Fenna (13), Maximus (13), Wellesley (11), and Essex (10). 

Les was raised by two extremely loving and hard-working parents, Rita and Laszlo Hollo, who emigrated from Hungary to New York City in 1957. Rita and Laszlo’s devotion to their family and hard-working spirit was instilled into Les at an early age and was a fundamental part of his upbringing in how he saw his role as a father. Les grew up on Decatur Avenue in The Bronx, NY and graduated from Mount St. Michael Academy. Les then attended Columbia University and graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology before he pursued his Juris Doctorate from Columbia University and graduated in 1987. Revisiting his Hungarian heritage, Les spent time backpacking in Europe before settling down to practice law at Dow, Lohnes and Albertson in New York.

Les married his first wife, Alison Hollo, in September of 1991 and moved to Guilford, CT where he had his first three children Barrett, Stephen, and Whitaker. He practiced law at Wiggin and Dana in New Haven, before joining the Madison law firm of Snow, Atticks and Hollo. Les took pleasure in the quiet, small-town life, sharing his love of baseball with his children through coaching Barrett and Stephen’s little league teams and driving the kids in his bright red, no door - no roof, Jeep Wrangler to the Surf Club to watch his softball league. Les enjoyed the company of his small circle of close-knit friends and family as he worked and raised his children in the beautiful shoreline area. 

As Les’ life evolved over the years in Connecticut, he found love again with his second wife, Holly Hollo, whom he married in September of 2005. Les always used to say, “My love for my family never divides, it only grows with each child,” and with this philosophy in mind, Les and Holly brought “The Crazy Eight” into the world: Bailey, Jackson, Decatur, Tennyson, Fenna, Maximus, Wellesley, and Essex. After moving to South Carolina in 2009, Les changed careers and pursued a path in sales, working at Club Wyndham Timeshares, Bankers Life and Casualty, and Colonial Media and Entertainment. He spent the past 10 years at The Home Depot where he worked as an Installation Service Manager. He used his excellent communication skills and took great pride in providing the best customer service to all his clientele. 

Throughout his life Les met many people all of whom he called friends. Most importantly, he devoted his time to his family. He coached every sport that his children wanted to play, including those that were new to him. Les enjoyed Friday night bonfires, days at the beach, movie nights at home, Walmart trips, and riding around town in his white Jeep Wrangler, no door- no roof. He was actively involved in all school activities and was proud of his childrens’ many accomplishments, encouraging their love of sports and continued education. He loved all animals and never hesitated to rehome a snake that he found on the side of the road. 

While Les left this Earth too soon, those who were close to him knew he was unapologetically himself throughout his entire life. He would stand up for those who could not advocate for themselves, always proclaimed he was the smartest person in the room, and would admit to crying during chick-flicks, while in the same breath sharing that everyone should openly be able to express their emotions. His favorite movie was Casablanca which he shared with anyone who would watch. He also shared his love of musicals with his family, his favorite being Les Misérables and often emphasized the quote, “To love another person is to see the face of God.” He worked hard until his final days and fiercely fought his short battle with cancer to the end. 

Advocating the importance of organ donation, Les’ wishes were honored and part of him still lives on in another. He embodies one of his favorite quotes, “So shines a good deed in a weary world.” Les lived life to the fullest and made even the dullest moments enjoyable. His eleven children will keep his spirit alive with the countless stories and memories he has bestowed upon them while he rests in Heaven with his mother, father, and his sister, Susan. 

Les always valued education and we are humbled to be able to celebrate his life alongside his daughter, Bailey, as she graduates from North Myrtle Beach High School this June. Please join us on Thursday, June 6th, 2024, at The Cooper House, 6011 Dick Pond Road, Myrtle Beach, to recognize Bailey’s amazing achievement and celebrate Les’ life. 

Cremation Services Direct (843-651-1194) of Myrtle Beach is assisting the family with the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.