Remembering Dr. Hollander

On Wednesday, February 4, Rockaway Beach Veterinary Services (RBVS) announced the passing of veterinarian, Dr. Howard Hollander on February 3. He was 75.

Born and raised in Rockaway, Dr. Hollander had worked at his own practice, Bay Ridge Animal Hospital, for 35 years, before opening RBVS right in his hometown in 2016, with Dr. Joanne Ruggiero. He retired at the end of 2024.

On behalf of RBVS, Ruggiero shared, “Dr. Hollander was so much more than my business partner. He was my mentor, one of my closest friends, and a steady, guiding presence in my life and in this hospital. His compassion, intelligence, and deep commitment to his patients shaped not only the practice we built together, but every one of us who had the privilege of working alongside him.

“We opened this hospital together in Rockaway Beach in 2016 with a shared vision of providing thoughtful, high-quality veterinary care rooted in kindness, respect, and integrity. Through his leadership and unwavering dedication to animals and the people who love them, that vision grew into something truly special. His impact will be felt here always.

“Dr. Hollander was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. He was deeply loved and widely respected, and his loss is tremendous. I truly believe the world—and our community—is forever changed without him.”

RBVS will be closed on Thursday, February 5, so staff can attend services. A traditional Jewish funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, at Gutterman’s Funeral Home, 175 Long Beach Road in Rockville Center. The family asks that donations be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering or VNS Hospice in lieu of flowers.