Timothy Holmes Sr.

Gales Ferry — Timothy Tunis Holmes Sr., passed away Dec. 24, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital at the age of 71. He was the son of Donald and Janice Holmes. He graduated from Ledyard High School and joined the U.S. Navy in 1968. He served on the USS Princeton and did three tours in the Vietnam War on the USS Dubuque until 1972. He married Jo Ann Bilodeau in 1970 and returned to Gales Ferry where he joined the Gales Ferry Volunteer Fire Department. He started his career at Electric Boat in 1972 and retired in 2015. Volunteering for the Electric Boat holiday charity was something he looked forward to every year when he would dress as Santa Claus when they visited local nursing homes and hospitals to bring much needed Christmas cheer.

He had an immense passion for history of all types, especially the history of this nation. He was the Commander of the former Gales Ferry VFW Post 10861 and was a life member. Tim loved traveling with his family, and also loved the New York Yankees.

He held his community near and dear to his heart. He volunteered his free time to the Ledyard Senior Center and was on the Ledyard Senior Commission. He believed in volunteering for many different charities, but his favorite was the Gemma Moran United Way Labor Food Bank.

Survivors include his wife, Jo Ann; his son Timothy T. Holmes II; his daughter Katherine Williamson; his son-inlaw, Evan Williamson; and his two grandsons, Joshua and Chace Barnett.

A small private funeral service was held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Gales Ferry and burial was at the Gales Ferry Cemetery. Donations in Tim’s memory may be made to the Gemma Moran United Way Labor Food Bank.