John Joseph Hollern

John J. Hollern, 74, passed away on Thursday, November 11, 2021 under the care of hospice. He was the youngest son of the late James and Mary Hollern. John was a lifelong Columbus resident who was educated through the Catholic elementary schools and St. Aquinas HS. He earned his B.A. degree from St. Leo College and his M.S. in Guidance and Counseling from OSU. While teaching and coaching at St. Christopher’s grade school he met and married his wife of 50 years, Tarie Brigham. John taught in the Columbus City Schools for more than 35 years. He enjoyed teaching math and social studies, plus coaching softball, track, and soccer. He was proud of his work with Walnut Ridge students to help them pass their proficiency tests and his Beechcroft soccer and softball players. John received many awards: Teacher of the Year, Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, and Lamp of Learning Award. He served on the Woodward Park Advisory Board and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

John is Survived by his wife, Tarie Brigham, daughters Laura Thorne (Scott) and Julie Lombardo (David). He has five granddaughters: Anna, Haley, Natalie Lombardo, and Emily and Olivia Thorne; several in-laws Sue Brigham and Terry Gabel, and Ginny and Randy Grueser plus nieces and nephews. John’s family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm Friday, November 19, 2021 at St. Matthias Church, 1582 Ferris Rd in Columbus, where the funeral mass will be celebrated by Father Anthony Davis on Saturday at 10am. A reception will follow the mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Matthias School or Franklin County Dog Shelter.