Holden- John P. “Jack” Holmes, Jr., 73, of Holden, formerly of Worcester, died Saturday, Jan. 21, in UMass-Memorial Medical Center, Memorial Campus.
He leaves his wife of 33 years, Helene A. (DuBois) Holmes; three sons, Christopher Holmes of Auburn, Michael R. Walsh of Worcester, and John W. Holmes and his wife Tina of Worcester; six daughters, Donna M. Warren of Worcester, Katherine Hanson and her husband Rick of Thompson, CT, Kathleen R. Lopez and her husband Tomas of Worcester, Lynne F. Stewart and her husband David of Worcester, Kelly A. Turner of Worcester, and Diedre Woodsum of MA; his mother M. Louise (Cosky) Holmes of Auburn; twenty four grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two nephews; his constant and faithful companion, Shawnee. He was predeceased by a son, Richard Holmes, a brother, Richard Holmes, and a sister, Katherine Holmes. He was born in Worcester, son of the late John P. Holmes and grew up in Millbury and Worcester where he lived most of his life before moving here in 1997.
Mr. Holmes was a self employed carpenter for many years, retiring in 1990.
He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, where he served as a jet mechanic.
He was a member of the Jeff Gordon Fan Club. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, rock collecting, and gardening.
Funeral services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack’s memory may be made to the Jeff Gordon Charity Foundation, P.O. Box 880, Harrisburg, NC 28075. DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton St., Worcester, is assisting with arrangements.