Obituary of Richard James Holmes

Richard James Holmes, Jr, of Medford died peacefully after a brief illness on August 6, 2015 at the age of 95. Richard was born in Medford, NY to Richard and Anna Gertrude (Kenney) Holmes and was the fourth of nine children. He graduated from Port Jefferson High School where he excelled as a long distance runner. During World War II, he stayed stateside as a foreman in the aircraft industry. After the war, he became a carpenter, working with a partner and then going into business for himself as a contractor. He built and renovated many homes in the Medford area until his retirement in 1982. As well as belonging to the Patchogue Elks Lodge 1323, Richard joined the Medford Fire Department in 1936 and was active in that department for over 75 years, serving as Chief in 1947-48. Highlights of his many decades of service in the Medford Fire Department came in 2002 when he served as Grand Marshall at the NYS Firemen's Parade and again in 2012 when the Medford Fire Department honored their long standing members at their 90th anniversary parade. Richard is predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years, Shirley (Burkhardt) as well as a daughter, Lynn, three brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his three children, Lorraine (Vincent) Gargiulo, Richard (Dorothy) Holmes III and Virginia (Stephen) Nightingale as well as nine grandchildren, fourteen great -grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. His family was a great source of pride for him and over the course of his long life, he enjoyed seeing his children and grandchildren grow up and have families of their own. He is also survived by one brother Thomas and a sister, Vivian Dearborn and numerous nieces and nephews. Visiting will be held on Tuesday, August 11th at the Medford Fire House at 171 Oregon Avenue in Medford from 2 to 4 pm and from 6 to 9 pm with a firematic service at 8 pm. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Wednesday, August 12th at 10 am with interment at the Yaphank cemetery immediately following the service. A reception will be held for friends and family at the Medford Fire House following the interment. Donations in memory of Richard may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.