Robert Edwin Holmes Jr.

Robert “Bob” E. Holmes, Jr., 77, passed away peacefully at home on July 10, 2020, surrounded by his family. Bob was born in Springfield on April 13, 1943 to Robert and Mildred (Carr) Holmes. He had lived in Springfield for most of his life, until moving to East Longmeadow 13 years ago. He was a 1961 graduate of Springfield Technical High School and worked for Bay State Gas Co, until his retirement in 1997. Bob married the love of his life, the former Christine Genga, in 1965. They celebrated their 55th anniversary on June 26. Bob was an avid golfer, a lifelong Red Sox fan, and Life Member of the Springfield Lodge of Elks #61. He was also a proud member of “The Longfellow Terrace Group” – lifelong friends who grew up in that neighborhood. Throughout his life, Bob enjoyed spending childhood summers at his uncle’s cabin in Otis, MA. as well as many family vacations to Cape Cod, Aruba, Disney World, Nashville, and California. Bob was a faithful communicant of St. Michael’s Church in East Longmeadow. Bob was predeceased by his parents, brothers-in-law, Richard Dion and George Faulkner, sisters-in-law, Barbara Chenevert and Rosemary Klimkowicz, and daughter-in-law, Kathleen (Barry) Holmes. To carry on his memory, he leaves his wife, Christine, sons Robert and Matthew of East Longmeadow, and Michael and his wife, Rosa, of Windsor Locks, CT, as well as grandchildren, Ryan and Meghan Holmes, and Isabella and Juliana Holmes. He also leaves his beloved sister, Patricia Dion of Enfield, CT, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bob’s family would like to thank the staff at Baystate Home Health and Hospice Services for their superb care, especially Erin, Erica, and Monica. Family and friends are invited to gather Sunday July 19, 2020 from 4-7pm in Forastiere Smith Funeral Home, 220 N. Main St., East Longmeadow. Funeral services begin Monday July 20, 2020 at 9:30am in the funeral home followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:30am in St. Michael’s Parish, 128 Maple Street, East Longmeadow. Burial in Greenlawn Cemetery, East Longmeadow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Michael’s Parish in East Longmeadow, where Bob found many years of comfort. For more information or to leave a message of personal condolence, visit www.forastiere.com.