Maurice Vincent Holmes, Jr.

Maurice Vincent Holmes, Jr., 71, of Riverside, Rhode Island died on February 16, 2022, at Hulitar Hospice Center after four months at Rhode Island Hospital. He leaves his wife, Margaret (Maggie) Neville Holmes, his two sons Maurice III and Thomas, as well as his sister Maureen Poholek of Elyria, Ohio. Maurice was born on January 18, 1951, to the late Maurice Holmes, Sr. and Elaine Horne Holmes. He is predeceased by his sister Margaret Holmes Stearns. He always lived and worked in Rhode Island, attending St. Margaret's School, East Providence High School, and URI (class of 1976.) At age 17, he began working during summers at E. H. Ashley and was fully employed there as a salesman until he retired at age 69. He married Maggie in 1983.

Maurice had many passions: social justice, politics, people, games, and laughter. He was particularly fond of his own jokes and his loud laughs echoed wherever he was. As members of Amnesty International, Genesis Community, Sacred Heart Parish and the Church of the Epiphany he worked on Social Justice Committees. He was volunteer coordinator at the Bread of Life food pantry in Rumford. Every season he gathered as much information he could about local political candidates to create his "Politico," which he used to decide the best candidate for each position. From an early age he played historical miniature war-games and, with his good friend Leo Walsh, authored a set of skirmish rules, Underfire. Much of his time was spent researching historic battles (and fictional battles) to set up scenarios for his group to play. Often they would do the same battle with different sets of rules. With his family he played a wide variety of games from board to role-playing. He and Maggie also enjoyed contra-dancing in Rehoboth and attending Trinity Rep performances.

During retirement he began walking around the neighborhood and always stopped to talk to everyone he met. His good humor and compassion will be greatly missed by all his friends.

Calling hours are from 4 pm to 8 pm, Friday, March 4, 2022, at Olson & Parent Funeral Home located at 417 Plainfield Street, Providence, RI. A Requiem Eucharist will be held at Church of the Epiphany (1336 Pawtucket Ave, Rumford, RI), on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 10 a.m. Burial at Swan Point Cemetery will follow. Masks are required; hugs are encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bread of Life Food Pantry, Newman Congregational Church, 100 Newman Avenue, Rumford, RI 02916.