Obituary of Joseph D. Holtzinger

Joseph D. (Joe) Holtzinger, also known as DJ Joe H, 56 January 27, 1964 – December 20, 2020 Joe was born in West Covina, CA to Arthur (deceased) and Barbara (nee Wittrock) Holtzinger. Joe spent most of his childhood there. Joe roamed the grounds of the estate, frequently pulling pranks (His sister Charlotte’s dolls were favorite targets, her sewing maching turned into his army fort.). He was especially close with his younger brother, Raymond. He began his High School education at Nogales High; he transferred to South Philadelphia High when the family moved east in 1979. After High School, he joined his father’s business, Holtzinger Gate Company, welding and making security gates. You can still find security gates with their label all over South Philadelphia. Joe then married Lydia and together they owned a clothing shop located on South Street. Neither the marriage nor the business were to last; the store closed, and the couple divorced. The union produced no children. It was not long after that Joe began to develop his true calling: being a Disc Jockey. Not on the radio --hosting dance parties and Karaoke nights in Bars, Nightclubs, and for private parties. Joe appeared weekly at several Philadelphia venues, including Nickel’s, Locust Bar, National Mechanics, Bait & Switch, and Daly’s. But he was most proud of his 20-plus years hosting Karaoke nights (most years twice a week!) at McGillin’s Old Ale House, the oldest Pub in Philadelphia. Joe was constantly working to improve, both in terms of technology and in the size of his song catalog – widely regarded as the largest selection around – as well as his style and performance. His goal was to ensure that EVERYONE who came to his shows had their moment to shine, that the singers were all treated equally, and never played favorites. As much as loved to sing himself, he was happy to cede the spotlight to his patrons, because that meant everyone was having a good time. He met Jennifer (nee Houdeshel), the love of his life, at one of these shows in 1998 and they spent the nearly 23 years together, marrying April 21, 2007. At home, he was a quiet nerd who loved Sci-Fi, Progressive Rock, cooking, “frantic couponing,” and DIY home renovations. He left the pranks of his childhood behind, but still enjoyed telling jokes and sharing obscure pop culture references at every opportunity. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Holtzinger, children 20 year old Joseph Holtzinger II and 12 year old Jaidyn Holtzinger, his mother, Barbara Holtzinger, siblings Arthur Holtzinger, Charlotte Hertler, Raymond Holtzinger and Norman Holtzinger, nephews Mathew Hertler, Daniel Holtzinger, Vaughn Holtzinger, Andrew Holtzinger, and Raymond Holtzinger Jr. nieces Jeanette Bradley, Savannah Hertler, and Pearl Holtzinger, great-nieces Sophia Hertler, Olivia Holtzinger, and great-nephew Elias Hertler, many extended family members and a large network of friends and acquaintances. He had a love-hate relationship with his Labrador/shepherd dog, Kin and at one time had several cats. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 29, 2020 9:00am-11:00 am at Reilly-Rakowski Funeral Home, 2632 E. Allegheny Ave, Philadelphia, Pa 19134, with service immediately following. Masks and social distancing will be observed. Interment Private. All-day open house (to allow for social distancing) will immediately follow at 3210 Salmon St, Philadelphia, PA 19134 Livestreaming will be offered via Reilly-Rakowski’s Facebook page beginning 11:00 https://www.facebook.com/rakowskifh