Robert J. Holmes, 73, of Boothbay, died July 1 at Miles Hospital in Damariscotta.
Mr. Holmes was born Sept. 28, 1932, in New Harbor, the son of James and Maxine Fossett Holmes, and attended Brunswick schools.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served from 1950 to 1952 during the Korean War.
After his discharge, Mr. Holmes was employed by area shipyards, then began his long career as a carpenter and builder of homes. He began working for several local contractors, including Paul Abbott, with whom he worked for several years. Upon the retirement of Paul Abbott, Robert began his own contracting business, which he operated for 35 years. While never truly retiring, five years ago he stopped building homes, and last year stopped taking on projects to build.
Active in the community, he was a former Rotarian, and Mason, and served on the Boothbay Planning Board and School Board.
He enjoyed playing cards and cribbage, going to his camp in Union, reading, and traveling to visit family in Pennsylvania.
Survivors include his wife, Julia Holmes, of Boothbay; a son, Terry Holmes and a daughter, Juanita Holmes, both of Boothbay; five brothers, Galen Holmes and wife Patricia of Boothbay, Ronald Holmes and wife Donna of Narvon, Penn., Merrill Holmes and wife Connie of Morgantown, Penn., James Holmes Jr. and wife Diana of Boothbay, and Clyde Holmes and wife Nancy of Narvon, Penn.; three sisters, Barbara Heath of Whitefield, Natalie Grover and husband Dale of Hollowell, and Marguerite Fink and husband Dale of Narvon, Penn.; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours 6-8 p.m., Wed., July 5 at Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home, Rte. 27, Boothbay, where the funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Thurs., July 6, with Al Roberts officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Boothbay.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington and Hall Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay.
