In Memoriam:
Harold "Hal" Holzer
1947 - 2022

FROM HAL:
Good Morning. If you’re reading this, you need to know I’ve moved on and have been ready to do so for quite a while now. Praise be to God, my Lord and Savior has called me home
So, here’s everything you need to know about me – no worries… there won’t be a multiple choice test at the end.
On October 25, 1947, I was born in Pottsville, PA as Harold Raymond Holzer, son of my precious and loving parents, the late Naomi “Nonny” Holzer and Harold “Mickey” Holzer. I graduated from Pottsville High School in 1965 and from Kutztown State College in 1969, with a Bachelor’s degree in math education. I assumed the nickname “Hal”, while obtaining my Master’s degree in Theater, from Villanova in 1975. At that time, I was teaching math at Spring-Ford Middle School, where I taught from 1969 to 2003 and was also the drum & color guard instructor, play director, and briefly editor of the school paper. I also taught part-time at Montgomery County Community College, from 1977 to 2008.
I am survived by my brother Bob and his wife Kim, of Port Carbon, PA, by my niece Jennifer Stamm and her son Gage. I am also survived by my cousins Beverly Munz and Kathleen Piccioni and their families, by Kim’s son Scott and his family, by my beloved cat Gucci, and by decades of cherished and treasured friendships, who brought so much love and support to my life. But none more than my lifelong best friend, Marty Johnson, with whom I shared a stage and math classes, as far back as 1965, at Kutztown State College. Together, as friends, we tackled the challenges of being gay in a straight world.
I always felt incredibly blessed to have had two careers, teaching and a theater avocation, each bringing me great immeasurable joy and allowed me to give back to the communities where I lived. It is decades overdue to finally thank some teachers who shaped my life, especially theses three inspirational math teachers, Miss Discavage, Mr. Bill Flynn, and Mr. Benjamin Liddle. To have all this and a vibrant spiritual life, currently guided by the wise and compassionate Dave Hakes, Pastor of Daybreak Community Church, is almost an embarrassment of riches. It is at Daybreak Community Church that I also played drums and sang with the church’s praise team for 14 years.
My other passions, were disco, country-line and tap dancing, marching bands, being a member of the Reading Buccaneers drum and bugle corps, band front rifle and flag instruction, drumming, aerobics, travel, and days at the beach. My highest profile activity was community and school theater. At my beloved Forge Theater, of Phoenixville, I was involved in over 100 productions as an actor, director, musician, set designer, and board member. Professionally, as a member of the Screen Actors Guild, I had several minor roles on TV and film, but most noteworthy was directing an East Coast touring company of Into the Woods, starring Jo Anne Worley and working with Alec Baldwin on an actor’s workshop production of Inherit the Wind. My artistic efforts were often rewarded as best production and best director at Forge Theater, the Barley Sheaf Players and the Bucks County Playhouse school theater festival.
None of this would have been possible without the impossibly wonderful gifts from my God of family, friends, talents, opportunities, and the ability to be vulnerable, compassionate, giving, devoted, and authentically appreciative of all those treasures. No gift so important as family and especially none more important than my Brother, Bob. Together we have always been there for each other and for our loving parents, in their waning days. He’s been with me on every step of my journey, since my August 2018 cancer and stroke diagnosis. He and I talked every night, ending each call in prayer, especially with The Lord’s Prayer. Bob always called me his Hero…. I called him my Rock. I believe in my heart of hearts there is no better Brother – may he have a long and healthy life and many years to enjoy his loving family.
Well, it is time to sign off… On to bigger and better things with my God… and a wonderful family reunion that awaits. So, until we meet again.
Love,
Hal
Hal’s Celebration of Life service will be held at Forge Theater, 241 First Avenue, Phoenixville, PA on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Doors will open promptly at 5:15 p.m. There will be limited seating and for everyone’s safety, masking will be required. For those unable to attend in person, consider the following two (2) virtual opportunities:
YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/2Hn1qt5yZrM
Good Morning. If you’re reading this, you need to know I’ve moved on and have been ready to do so for quite a while now. Praise be to God, my Lord and Savior has called me home
So, here’s everything you need to know about me – no worries… there won’t be a multiple choice test at the end.
On October 25, 1947, I was born in Pottsville, PA as Harold Raymond Holzer, son of my precious and loving parents, the late Naomi “Nonny” Holzer and Harold “Mickey” Holzer. I graduated from Pottsville High School in 1965 and from Kutztown State College in 1969, with a Bachelor’s degree in math education. I assumed the nickname “Hal”, while obtaining my Master’s degree in Theater, from Villanova in 1975. At that time, I was teaching math at Spring-Ford Middle School, where I taught from 1969 to 2003 and was also the drum & color guard instructor, play director, and briefly editor of the school paper. I also taught part-time at Montgomery County Community College, from 1977 to 2008.
I am survived by my brother Bob and his wife Kim, of Port Carbon, PA, by my niece Jennifer Stamm and her son Gage. I am also survived by my cousins Beverly Munz and Kathleen Piccioni and their families, by Kim’s son Scott and his family, by my beloved cat Gucci, and by decades of cherished and treasured friendships, who brought so much love and support to my life. But none more than my lifelong best friend, Marty Johnson, with whom I shared a stage and math classes, as far back as 1965, at Kutztown State College. Together, as friends, we tackled the challenges of being gay in a straight world.
I always felt incredibly blessed to have had two careers, teaching and a theater avocation, each bringing me great immeasurable joy and allowed me to give back to the communities where I lived. It is decades overdue to finally thank some teachers who shaped my life, especially theses three inspirational math teachers, Miss Discavage, Mr. Bill Flynn, and Mr. Benjamin Liddle. To have all this and a vibrant spiritual life, currently guided by the wise and compassionate Dave Hakes, Pastor of Daybreak Community Church, is almost an embarrassment of riches. It is at Daybreak Community Church that I also played drums and sang with the church’s praise team for 14 years.
My other passions, were disco, country-line and tap dancing, marching bands, being a member of the Reading Buccaneers drum and bugle corps, band front rifle and flag instruction, drumming, aerobics, travel, and days at the beach. My highest profile activity was community and school theater. At my beloved Forge Theater, of Phoenixville, I was involved in over 100 productions as an actor, director, musician, set designer, and board member. Professionally, as a member of the Screen Actors Guild, I had several minor roles on TV and film, but most noteworthy was directing an East Coast touring company of Into the Woods, starring Jo Anne Worley and working with Alec Baldwin on an actor’s workshop production of Inherit the Wind. My artistic efforts were often rewarded as best production and best director at Forge Theater, the Barley Sheaf Players and the Bucks County Playhouse school theater festival.
None of this would have been possible without the impossibly wonderful gifts from my God of family, friends, talents, opportunities, and the ability to be vulnerable, compassionate, giving, devoted, and authentically appreciative of all those treasures. No gift so important as family and especially none more important than my Brother, Bob. Together we have always been there for each other and for our loving parents, in their waning days. He’s been with me on every step of my journey, since my August 2018 cancer and stroke diagnosis. He and I talked every night, ending each call in prayer, especially with The Lord’s Prayer. Bob always called me his Hero…. I called him my Rock. I believe in my heart of hearts there is no better Brother – may he have a long and healthy life and many years to enjoy his loving family.
Well, it is time to sign off… On to bigger and better things with my God… and a wonderful family reunion that awaits. So, until we meet again.
Love,
Hal
Hal’s Celebration of Life service will be held at Forge Theater, 241 First Avenue, Phoenixville, PA on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Doors will open promptly at 5:15 p.m. There will be limited seating and for everyone’s safety, masking will be required. For those unable to attend in person, consider the following two (2) virtual opportunities:
YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/2Hn1qt5yZrM
In Memoriam:
Brian Scott Schwartz
1977-2021

Forge Theatre is saddened to announce that on Monday, March 8, 2021 after experiencing a medical emergency, the passing of Brian Scott Schwartz.
Brian was active with Forge for quite a few years where he served as a Board Member, Actor, Director, His first show at Forge was 1776 followed by The Rocky Horror Show; Company; The 39 Steps; Avenue Q; Man of La Mancha; The Full Monty; L'il Abner; The Drowsy Chaperone; Cabaret; Don't Drink the Water; COVID Christmas and many more at Barley Sheaf Players of Exton; The Barn Playhouse in Jeffersonville PA and Playcrafters of Skippack.
Brian was our Box Office guru and many of you will remember him as your contact for Membership or Season Tickets, and even more recently, the one you email or call when you have trouble logging into the Virtual performances. In addition, Brian served on the Board in charge of membership and chairman of the chair fund, as well as chairing the theater renovation project where he worked closely with other Board members and volunteers. His attention to detail and meticulous ability to ensure follow-up made him an invaluable asset to Forge Theatre and the Board of Directors.
He enjoyed Quizzo, karaoke, was a true fan of the Eagles and the Phillies, had a love for concerts, and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family the most; especially his nieces and nephew. Brian truly loved being an uncle. But mostly, he cherished the time he was able to spend with the love of his life, Kelly Fitzgerald (Forge Past President) whom he married in October 2019.
Per the family, Brian loved the arts and request in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Brian’s name to your Local Community Theater of choice or one of the theater’s where Brian was active. In addition, if you you would like to donate, a Go Fund Me account (link found at the end of this email) has been set up to assist Kelly with unexpected expenses.
The Forge Board of Directors has arranged a ZOOM link for those who wish to continue with COVID-19 social distancing and wish to attend the services virtually.
Brian was active with Forge for quite a few years where he served as a Board Member, Actor, Director, His first show at Forge was 1776 followed by The Rocky Horror Show; Company; The 39 Steps; Avenue Q; Man of La Mancha; The Full Monty; L'il Abner; The Drowsy Chaperone; Cabaret; Don't Drink the Water; COVID Christmas and many more at Barley Sheaf Players of Exton; The Barn Playhouse in Jeffersonville PA and Playcrafters of Skippack.
Brian was our Box Office guru and many of you will remember him as your contact for Membership or Season Tickets, and even more recently, the one you email or call when you have trouble logging into the Virtual performances. In addition, Brian served on the Board in charge of membership and chairman of the chair fund, as well as chairing the theater renovation project where he worked closely with other Board members and volunteers. His attention to detail and meticulous ability to ensure follow-up made him an invaluable asset to Forge Theatre and the Board of Directors.
He enjoyed Quizzo, karaoke, was a true fan of the Eagles and the Phillies, had a love for concerts, and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family the most; especially his nieces and nephew. Brian truly loved being an uncle. But mostly, he cherished the time he was able to spend with the love of his life, Kelly Fitzgerald (Forge Past President) whom he married in October 2019.
Per the family, Brian loved the arts and request in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Brian’s name to your Local Community Theater of choice or one of the theater’s where Brian was active. In addition, if you you would like to donate, a Go Fund Me account (link found at the end of this email) has been set up to assist Kelly with unexpected expenses.
The Forge Board of Directors has arranged a ZOOM link for those who wish to continue with COVID-19 social distancing and wish to attend the services virtually.
VIEWING and FUNERAL MASS Information
9:30 am - 11:00 am; Saturday, March 13, 2021
Saint Philip Neri Church
437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA
FUNERAL MASS to start promptly at 11:00 am following Viewing
9:30 am - 11:00 am; Saturday, March 13, 2021
Saint Philip Neri Church
437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA
FUNERAL MASS to start promptly at 11:00 am following Viewing