Charles Holmes

Groton — Charles E. Holmes III, 74, of Cape May, N.J., passed away peacefully Nov. 19, 2018. “Bud,” as he was known to his family and friends, was born on Feb. 8, 1944, in Trenton, N.J. Bud retired from the United States Navy, after 26 years of faithful service. He was very proud to have served his country and loved working in his rate as a torpedoman chief petty officer. He then retired and entered the DOD and worked in his profession until his retirement in San Diego, Calif. He relocated back to his hometown of Cape May, N.J. shortly after losing the love of his life, Ellen. He was a member of the VFW, Moose Club and volunteered at the Knights of Columbus.

Bud was an avid fan of all sports and one heck of a pool player. He was Cape May’s high school star basketball player, holding records that he was very proud of. He loved playing softball and football while in the Navy, as well as coaching his sons’ football team.

He married the love of his life and soul mate, his wife Ellen on Oct. 11, 1969, and devoted his love and time to his family. He was very charming and generous to everyone he knew and would give the shirt off his back to help. He later remarried in June 2008 and is survived by his loving wife Elaine, his son Michael and daughter Patricia, his stepchildren Jason and Michael; his grandchildren Curtis, Alex and Josef; great-grandchildren Abigail, Natalie, Karalyn and Joshua; his sisters Shirley and Charlene. He was predeceased by his wife Ellen, his son Charles E. Holmes IV and his brother Bill.

His wish was to have his ashes, along with his wife Ellen’s ashes, be laid to rest at sea in the Caribbean.

A celebration of life will be arranged at a later date in Cape May, N.J., for his family and friends.