Richard George Holmes, 75, passed unexpectedly on March 11, 2025. He was predeceased by his brother William Holmes of Manchester, NH, and his cherished granddaughter Amanda Currie of Chicopee, MA.

Richard leaves behind his beloved wife of 54 years, Gail Holmes of Chicopee, MA, his sister Linda A. Holmes of Naples, FL, and his brother Dennis Holmes and his wife Linda Holmes of West Bridgewater, MA. He is also survived by his daughter Kimberly Holmes of Chicopee, MA, his daughter Carline Winslow and her husband Christopher Winslow of Ellington, CT, and his son Richard A. Holmes and his wife Lisa Holmes of Franklin, TN. His surviving cherished grandchildren include Christian Cosme and his wife Julianna Cosme, Rachel Holmes, Ryan Cosme, Haileigh Holmes, Cole Winslow, Leilah Holmes, and Arabella Winslow.

Fondly remembered for his kind demeanor and immense love of family, Richard grew up on a farm in Bridgewater, MA, where he began driving large farm tractors at the age of eight. He went on to earn his associate's degree from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMASS and enjoyed an extensive career as a machinist and inspector in manufacturing. In his younger years, he was often called 'MacGyver' for his ability to fix anything.

Richard's favorite color was red, the same color as his prized '70 Chevelle, which he proudly owned for ten years before selling to raise his young family. His other treasured possession was his sixteen-foot boat, which he loved to take out on the Connecticut River for fishing. Richard had a lifelong love of Elvis and the Beach Boys, which he instilled in all his children.

Richard will be remembered most as a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather who reminded us of the important things in life: humility, kindness, laughter, and love.

The funeral will be Saturday March 22nd at 11:00am at the First Congregational Church, 306 Chicopee St., Chicopee. Calling hours at the O'Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., South Hadley will be Friday March 21st from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.