David Holman, 83, died peacefully at his home in Delaware Township, N.J., on Dec. 5, 2021.
The 18th-century stone farmhouse – surrounded by the stunning gardens he so lovingly nurtured – had been his home for the last 25 years.
David was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Alfred P. and Lyda (Sweeney) Holman. He grew up in Ewing, N.J., where his father was a professor and chair of the English Department at Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey). He graduated from the Lawrenceville School and attended Bucknell University. David was very close with his aunt, the Broadway actress and singer Libby Holman, and as a young man he moved to New York City where he launched a career as a sought-after interior designer whose clients included prominent New Yorkers. In the 1970s he fled high society for life in the country. David moved first to Bucks County then to Hunterdon County, N.J., where he restored and renovated estate properties and homes.
In addition to his passion for gardening, David was a talented photographer. He loved traveling to off-beat, undiscovered places all over the world. He was a connoisseur of the arts – theater, music, literature – and of good food. David was a loyal son; a caring, “funky” uncle; and a great friend. He had a keen sense of humor, and he was unfailingly honest and abundantly generous. He will be greatly missed.
David is survived by his nephews Peter and Christopher Chase and his niece Emily Chase.
Donations in David’s memory can be made to National Public Radio (NPR) or a charity of choice.
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