Edwin A. Holmes

Edwin A. Holmes, 81, of Manchester, NH, formerly of Milford, NH, Mendham, NJ, Shohola (Twin Lakes), PA and Tenafly, NJ died Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Elliot Hospital in Manchester.

Mr. Holmes was born March 10, 1927 in Palisades Park, NJ, son of the late Albert and Abigail Holmes. Mr. Holmes graduated from Leonia High School and Blair Academy, Hackettstown, NJ and earned his BA in Business Administration from Boston University and his MBA from New York University.

Mr. Holmes was formerly part owner of Ridgefield Coal and Supply Company, a family owned fuel oil dealership in Ridgefield, NJ and after retiring and moving to Milford, NH became a part time sales representative for Lorden Oil in Hollis, NH.

He was a navy veteran of World War II having served aboard the USS Vulcan from 1945-1946.

He was active in both The Presbyterian Church in Tenafly and Basking Ridge, NJ serving as an Elder and church school teacher and superintendent. He devoted twenty years of support to the Ridgefield, NJ Rotary Club including a term as Club President and personally enjoyed travel, playing golf, sailing, card games and spending time with his family and friends.

In His Life: Mr. Holmes will be remembered for his extraordinary kindness, deep spirituality and unwavering good humor who enjoyed turning strangers into new friends through all his personal and professional endeavors.

Mr. Holmes leaves a loving and appreciative family including 3 daughters and sons-in-law: Karen and John Nastuk of Danvers, MA, Melissa and Hans Laaspere of Londonderry, NH, and Lisa and John David of Amherst, NH, and six grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Adele R. (Mettberg) in 2006.

The entire family is grateful for the care and support of Villa Crest Nursing and Retirement Home, Hanover Street, Manchester.

Services will be private.

Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium is in charge of local arrangements.