Obituary of Willard J. Holmes

Willard "Bill" Holmes, 82, of Johnson City, NY, passed among family at UHS Wilson Memorial Hospital, early morning of Wednesday August 30th. Predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth "Betty" Holmes, father Frank Holmes, and his lifelong friends Joe Lukasik and Dick Hujar. Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife of 62 years Dawn Holmes, his three children: Kristen and Ed Seyerlein (Binghamton, NY), Bill Holmes (Johnson City, NY), and Lynn and George Petrak (Montrose, PA). Six Grandchildren: Riley and Luke Tetrault, Jacob Seyerlein, Brady and Spencer Snow, Sidney Holmes and Tyler Zweig, Carly Petrak, Cason Petrak. Two Great Grandchildren: Wells Tetrault and Noah Snow. Brother-in-law: Arthur and Shirley Williams (Apalachin, NY) Bill took great pride in his work. He started his career at Vail Ballou Press (16 years), then worked for IBM where he retired after 25+ years and was a member of the IBM quarter century club. As a lifelong community member and passionate sportsman, he was a NY State Hunter Education Instructor, President of the Broome County Sportsman Federation, and a member since 1971, Member of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Member of Pheasants Forever and 20-year volunteer at the Reynolds Pheasant Game Farm, and Chairman of the Broome County Kids Fishing Derby since 1977. He was a member of the Choconut Center Fire Department since 1968. He was a proud supporter of the NRA and Trout Unlimited. Above all, Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a pillar of strength, being the first to support his family in every way possible, and proud to celebrate every accomplishment big or small. He never missed a game, concert, or event, and showed his love for his family in everything he did. He offered kindness to everyone he encountered. Whether he was grabbing treats at his favorite bakery, The Wagon Wheel, joking with the waitresses at any one of the Greek restaurants in the area (especially the Skylark), enjoying a coffee at Wegmans, reminiscing with his friends at polka festivals (he was a proud supporter of the Bill Flynn Polka Show), or running errands with his wife, he always left an impression. No one was a stranger; he cherished every conversation and interaction. Expressions of Sympathy in his memory may be made to the Broome County Sportsman Federation (3879 Route 38B Newark Valley, NY 13811) or the Choconut Center Fire Department (1011 Middle Stella Ireland Rd, Binghamton, NY 13905). Additionally, the family encourages you to attend this year's Fishing Derby in his memory which will take place September 16th at Cole Park from 10am – 2pm. Friends will be received at Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home (300 E Main St, Endicott, NY 13760) on Monday, September 4, from 5-7pm and Tuesday, September 5, from 10-11am. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday the 5th at 11am with the procession directly after at Riverhurst Cemetery.