William "Bill" F. Holmes

July 05, 1962 - May 12, 2024

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Obituary for William "Bill" F. Holmes

HOLMES – William F. “Bill”, age 61 of Boston formerly of Somerville, passed away suddenly on May 12th, 2024.

Beloved husband of Mary McDonald of Boston. Dear son of the late Edward and Mary (Laidler) Holmes. Devoted father of Michaela McDonald, Mary Holmes, and William Holmes all of Hyde Park. Loving brother of Susan Hyatt of San Angelo, TX, Joseph Holmes and his wife Nancy of Somerville, and the late Edward Holmes. Caring brother-in-law of Alyce Collins and her husband Kevin of Milton. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Bill was a proud graduate of Tufts University. He found a way to combine his two passions: sports and people into a career as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at the Adidas Group and Reebok International LTD. Loyalty was another one of Bill’s many strengths. This could be seen, but even more evidently heard, while he cheered each season for his hometown teams of Boston. Bill was a mentor to many but a friend to all.

At his core, Bill was a devoted family man. Bill enjoyed a long marriage with his wife Mary and considered his three children his greatest accomplishments. There was no area where Bill excelled more than being a father. He loved nothing more than being home with his family and his dogs Bruce and Jax. Although he will be deeply missed, the memories of his laugh, his one-liners, and his generous and kind spirit will remain with us forever.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 16th at St. Agatha Church, 432 Adams St., MILTON at 10:30am. Interment in Fairview Cemetery, HYDE PARK. Friends and relatives are respectfully invited to attend.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, May 15th at the Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Ave., EAST MILTON SQUARE from 4:00 – 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Bill to JDRF. Checks can be sent to: JDRF Greater New England Chapter, PO Box 5009, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5009. Please note that the gift is being made in memory of Bill Holmes, and include the name of his beloved wife, Mary Rhodes McDonald, and the family address. Alternatively, you may make a donation online and select the “Make a memorial donation” option and include the relevant details mentioned above. Please follow this specific URL: https://www2.jdrf.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2374.

Services

15 May

Visiting Hours

04:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
16 May

Mass of Christian Burial

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Saint Agatha Church 432 Adams Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
16 May

Burial

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Fairview Cemetery 45 Fairview Avenue Boston, MA 02136 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • May 16, 2024

    Bill was a great professional during my days at Rockport. So sad to hear of his passing. I am sure he will be missed immensely. - Stefanie Lucas

  • May 15, 2024

    Merrick and I are saddened by your loss. Bill was the quintessential professional during our tenure at Reebok. We're sure his sharp wit and kindness live on in Michaela, Mary and Billy and future Holmes' generations. Praying for Peace and comfort as you grieve. Lots of love- Moe and Merrick Jones

  • May 15, 2024

    I haven't seen Billy in over 40years but what a baseball player and a winner but also Gracious He carried himself well as a young Athlete and as a Person ,God's Grace and Prayers to the Family 🙏🏻🙏🏻

  • May 15, 2024

    Our sincerest condolences upon hearing such incredibly sad news. Billy was one of the finest young men I have ever had the pleasure to teach and coach. He was smart, hardworking and always respectful and kind to everyone. Our sympathies and prayers to all his family and friends. Chris and Kathy Johanson

  • May 14, 2024

    Billy I only met you a couple of times... you're one of the best men I've ever had the privilege to share this life with. I hope you rest in peace with god, I'll do the best I can with the rest of your family.... Unfortunately uncle Billy I cannot be a Sox fan. So go braves!!! See you soon uncle Billy, thank you for everything you've done for me and my family.

  • May 14, 2024

    He is now resting in peace

  • May 14, 2024

    To Billy's family, Bill was a friend and teammate of mine through Babe Ruth Baseball, High School basketball and baseball, and Legion baseball. Bill was a great teammate and friend for those years we played together. I can remember his mom and dad at baseball games with my mother, always cheering us on. Bill will be missed by all who knew him, I am keeping your family in my thoughts through this difficult time. -- Dave McCune

  • May 14, 2024

    To the family of "Billy" Holmes........I am in shock. We were in kindergarten together and 1st grade at the Arthur D. Healey School in Somerville. We lived on the same street and were born on the same exact day.....I think he was a few hours older than me. I am so sorry for your loss....for the world's loss. Billy was not only a great kid, a great person, but a wonderful human being and that can't be said of many people. Though I have not seen him in years, facebook kept us in touch and not knowing he is no longer here is an awful feeling. Rest in Peace my friend and please know that you will never be forgotten. Sincerely, Anthony Accardi Wilmington, Mass

  • May 13, 2024

    My friend for over twenty years from your earlier days at Louis of Boston. We have shared many a laugh about life's absurdity and our mutual love of sports. I will forever miss you and you will always be in my fond memories of our times together. With my most sincere condolences to Mary, Michaela, Mary, and William. Your friend always, Alan Kenney

  • May 13, 2024

    So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. It's fitting that I'm in China upon hearing this devastating news, as Bill was a warm and welcome part of my first job at Reebok, based at the China Development Center, and again when I moved to the UK design office at "The Reebok", a moniker that also applies to the legend that is Bill Holmes: THE Reebok. My Sincere condolences to Bill's wife and family. He meant so much to many more than they will ever know. Andrew Gillespie

  • May 13, 2024

    Bill Thank you for Your example of a loving father and husband. I will always cherish the tons of laughs and great memories. I'll hold u in my heart forever. Say hi to Aunt Jackie for me. Fly so high Bill. Donna and Charlie

  • May 13, 2024

    Dear Bill, my heart is so sad to hear of your sudden passing. Our mothers pushed us in baby carriages and we have known each other forever RIP my dear friend. With deepest sympathy to the Holmes family - love your friend Nadine

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