John Holmes

John P. Holmes

January 25, 1935 - September 6, 2025

John P. Holmes, 90, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and deep commitment to family.

Born in Queens, New York, John was the second youngest of six children in an Irish Catholic family whose parents immigrated to the United States in the early 1920s. His early years were shaped by both challenge and determination. At 15, amid family hardships, John went to live with his sister Mary and her husband. He took on various odd jobs to help support his family, all while continuing his education. His perseverance led him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Queens College, City University of New York, attending classes at night while working during the day.

John met the love of his life, Gerry Honl, and married in 1959. He began his professional career in the aerospace industry and served in the U.S. Army, completing six months of active duty followed by five and a half years in the reserves.

John and Gerry settled on Long Island, New York, where they raised five children. John often said his greatest accomplishment was the day he married Gerry and started their family. Together, they built a home filled with love, mutual support, and strong values-a foundation that continues to shape generations of their family. Bringing family together was at the heart of John and Gerry's shared legacy.

Professionally, John served as a marketing director at Fairchild Camera, a role that took him and Gerry around the world and nurtured a lifelong appreciation for different cultures and people. After early retirement at Fairchild, he embarked on a second career as a real estate appraiser on the Northern Neck of Virginia. A dedicated community member, John was active in the Rotary Club and proudly served as its president.

After Gerry's passing in March 2020, following 61 wonderful years of marriage, John moved from Weems, Virginia to Boulder, Colorado. In 2021, he became a resident of Frasier Meadows, where he found community, purpose, and joy. Ever curious and engaged, John filled his days with classes, books, concerts, and meaningful conversations.

He especially enjoyed serving on the Seniors for Seniors board and participating in the "Next Steps" Foreign Policy Committee. His later years were enriched further by a meaningful friendship with Reva Greenburg, whose companionship brought him much happiness.

John will be remembered for his warm smile, generous spirit, and zest for life. He is survived by his five children; Elizabeth Popp(Tom), Nancy Wigton (Rich), John Holmes Jr. (Cory), Ellen Borda (Jim), and Amy Novak (Peter) as well as thirteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren all of whom he loved deeply. His legacy of love, learning, and connection lives on in each of them.

A celebration of life will be held at Frasier Meadows Chapel on October 24th at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Harvest of Hope Pantry through their ColoradoGives.org page.