Obituary: Peter John Holmes, 72

Peter John Holmes, 72, of Portsmouth, died Wednesday, September 17, 2014, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was the husband of Janet (Blaess) Holmes

Born in Providence, RI, on April 5, 1942, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Brooks) Holmes.

Peter was a 1961 graduate of East Providence High School. After school he enlisted in the United States Navy and became a dental technician. After his military career he attended Bridgewater State and Roger Williams University receiving a degree in Education, graduating in 1970. Over the next 35 years Peter taught Physical Education at Martin Junior High and then went on to teach history at East Providence High School. Throughout teaching he enjoyed coaching the football and swim teams. For 40 years Peter worked at the East Providence Recreation Department as a supervisor. He was also the GED Advisor/Administrator and a tutor for East Providence High School. Peter was a lifetime member of Wanumetonomy Country Club, Knights of Columbus 1528 E.P. local, East Providence Heritage Days Inc. where he was on the Board of Directors.

Besides his wife of 25 years, he is survived by his children, Travis J. Holmes of Newport, RI, Patrick P. Holmes of Portsmouth, RI and Ryan T. Holmes of Newport, RI, his brothers Maurice Holmes and his wife Donna of Seekonk, MA, and Edward Holmes and his wife Jan of FL and his cousin Wallace Holmes of Jamestown, NY.

He was the brother of the late John Holmes and Patricia Holmes.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 22, 2014, from 4-7 in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.

His service will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at 10:00am in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 525 Broadway, Newport, RI.

Private burial will be held in St. Mary’s Churchyard in Portsmouth.

Donations in his memory may be made to American Diabetes Association, 222 Richmond Street, Suite 204, Providence, RI 02906, or to the American Heart Association, 1 State Street, Suite 200, Providence, RI 02908.