Michael B. Holmes was born in Greenwich, Conn. on May 22, 1964 to Diane and Jack Holmes.
He grew up with his seven siblings in Purchase, NY; Jack, Shawn, Vin, Billy, Shery, Bobby, and Tommy. He lived most of his life in Rye, NY, with the Adirondack Mountains as his second home. Michael was a standout student athlete at Rye High School, Rye Country Day School, Northwood School, Elmira College, and the Berkshire School held a special place in his heart. He was born a natural athlete with an infectious love of life.
He was a doting father and grandfather to his children and a surrogate for any child seeking a willing playmate. He recently embraced his new role as “Papa Bear” for his grandsons Dylan and Charley. Since the day his first grandchild was born, he lived with an emergency overnight bag packed at the ready if and when he got the call to come babysit.
Michael, a giant kid at heart, marched to his own drum but ensured that everyone was included in his band. His charm won over everyone he met, and a win for Michael was making sure everyone around him enjoyed the activity as much as he did. From pond hockey to paddle-tennis to backyard soccer, or taking the young members of Manursing out tubing on the Long Island Sound, his personal mission was for everyone in his midst to have fun regardless of their age or ability. A trademark characteristic was a lack of proper attire for the activity at hand – ie: khaki shorts for swimming or topsiders for tennis – and yet he always excelled at the day’s endeavor. He was the rare type of competitor who did not need to train, and in his confidence he was able to make the game more fun for competitors and spectators alike.
Husband to his beloved Pati, they met and fell in love his freshman year of college. For almost 40 years they’ve kept a tremendous affection, deep friendship, and were a successful team. As Pati knows better than anyone, Michael pushed the limits and encouraged those around him to soar beyond the boundaries of possibility in pursuit of their happiest heights. With Pati’s love ensuring he remained tethered to the ground, he was able to spin so much magic in the world.
Michael is survived by his wife Pati, daughter Stephanie and her partner Janna; his daughter Kelly and her partner Charley, his son Robert and his partner Rebecca, and his son Matthew. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Carolyn and his two grandchildren Dylan and Charley.
Michael’s charity extended outside of his personal circle. For the last decade, he has dedicated his Tuesday mornings to gathering and distributing bread to a food pantry in the Bronx and for 15 years of his life, he volunteered for the Rye Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Part of the Solution (POTS): 2759 Webster Ave, Bronx, NY 10458, Potsbronx.org, or 718.220.4892.
A Gathering in Remembrance of Michael was scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 4-7 p.m. at Apawamis Country Club. A Mass of Christian burial was scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 12 at the Church of the Resurrection, Rye, NY.