William R. Holmes

William R. Holmes (Bill) of Raleigh, North Carolina passed away peacefully at home on December 24, 2023. He was 90 years old.
Bill was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 9, 1933. He was the oldest son of the late William and Genevieve Holmes and the elder brother to the late Arlene and Peter Holmes. After graduating from Brooklyn Prep, Bill enlisted in the Navy and then earned his associate degree in Dairy and Agriculture at Farmingdale State University. In 1983, the school honored him as Farmingdale's Alumnus of the Year. He then served as the commencement speaker in 1984.
Bill spent 40 years working in the food industry. His first job was with Beatrice Foods, where he quickly grew with the company. At the age of thirty, he became president of Louis Sherry Ice Cream. In 1979, in collaboration with Dannon Yogurt, he helped create the first frozen yogurt dessert known as "Danny." His career culminated at Pollio Dairy Products Corporation where he served as president of the company. While at Pollio, he was instrumental in the commercialization of Polly-O String Cheese in the United States. Bill loved his time in the industry, and happily shared stories and career advice. He was hardworking and dedicated, and a visionary leader.
After retiring, Bill moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina from Port Washington, NY. He took up golf and volunteered to teach reading to young children. He also discovered Pilates and would never miss a class. Bill was a lifelong learner who loved reading about history and politics. He avidly kept up with current events, the economy, and the latest new books.
Bill enjoyed a good party and he and Mary Alice made a great entertaining team. They hosted gatherings that family and friends would look forward to and talk about for years to come. Bill loved to tell stories about anything, from growing up in Brooklyn, to the food industry, to his love of dancing. He was always eager to engage in a good debate with whoever was up to the challenge.
Bill truly loved his family. He enjoyed traveling and spending weekends either on the ski slopes or at the beach with his children. Bill absolutely adored his wife, Mary Alice, regularly singing her praises as the best chef and restaurant in town.
More than anything, Bill was generous and made a lasting impression on everyone everywhere he lived. He was a loyal friend and confidant, with some true friendships spanning over seventy years.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Mary Alice, and his children, Christopher Holmes and his wife Karin, Elizabeth Holmes, Victoria Holmes, Anastasia Holmes, Michele Ganci Hyde and her husband Jeff, Michael Ganci, and Alison Ganci Aiello and her husband Antonio. Bill was also the loving grandfather to his seven grandchildren, Isabella Holmes, Charlotte, Peter, John, and Natalie Hyde, and Henry and Hazel Aiello. He adored them all.
The family will have a private celebration of his life at a later date. Memorial donations in his name can be made to either Farmingdale State College or the American Civil Liberties Union. https://alumni.farmingdale.edu/donate www.aclu.org