Gregory T. Holtz

Gregory T. Holtz, 66, of Estero, FL, passed away on Saturday, June 30, 2018. Formerly of Rocky River, OH, he had been an Estero resident since 2007. He was born December 1, 1951 in Cleveland, OH, the son of Theodore and Helen (née Lewandowski) Holtz. The life and career of Greg Holtz has taken many directions. He attended St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland and graduated from Xavier University. He earned a Law Degree from Case Western Reserve University and was a prosecutor and solicitor. After partnering a law firm with his father in Cleveland, Greg joined the banking industry which presented him the opportunity to move to Florida as the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of U.S. Bank in Naples until 2013. After years in the banking industry, Greg had a strong desire to use his legal knowledge and skills to help people who were less fortunate. In 2013 he approached the Legal Aid Service of Collier County, offering his time and services as a pro bono attorney for which the State of Florida Bar Association presented him the “Tobias Simon Award” in 2015. During this time he was employed as law professor at Ave Maria School of Law in Naples. Specializing in Wills, Trusts and Estates, he opened The Estate Planning and General Practice Clinic– allowing law students to assist in the delivery of legal services to the underserved. Through his energetic commitment and benevolent focus, Greg has made a difference in the lives of his clients, many of them insecure economically – whom he proudly represented and advised. Professor Holtz served on a variety of organizations including WGCU Radio Reading Service; The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs; Community Foundation of Collier County Professional Advisors Council; Collier County Bar Association; Collier County Women’s Bar Association; and the Lee County Bar Association to name a few. Greg epitomized the act of giving back one’s time, talent, and treasure and we are eternally grateful. Mr. Holtz also earned a LL.M degree in 2016 Elder Law from Stetson University College of Law and a Master of Science- Urban Studies in 1983 from Cleveland State University. Mr. Holtz is survived by his loving wife, Jody (Ruff DeLeon) Holtz; his stepsons Wyatt DeLeon and Westley DeLeon, both of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and his brother, Matthew Holtz ( Mary) uncle of Adam, Patrick and Rosemary of Rocky River, OH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Light Catholic Church, 19680 Cypress View Drive, Ft. Myers. Additional services will take place on Monday, July 9th, at the St. Christopher Church, 20141 Detroit Road, Rocky River, OH at 11:00 a.m. where friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass, with burial at Lakewood Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Theodore S. Holtz Endowed Scholarship at Ave Maria School of Law or to the Gregory T. Holtz Estate Planning and General Practice Clinic in care of Development , Ave Maria School of Law, 1025 Commons Circle, Naples, Florida 34119. For more information contact danthus@avemarialaw.edu. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home.

Gregory T. Holtz

December 1, 1951 - June 30, 2018