Laurence B. Holmes

1935 - 2025

Laurence B. Holmes

Norwich, VT - Laurence B. Holmes, 90, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born April 16, 1935, in Melrose, MA, Larry was the son of Joseph Palmer and Charlotte (Chadbourne) Holmes. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1953 and served in the U.S. Army in Okinawa, Japan. After his military service, he returned to New England to study at Boston University.

On November 26, 1960, Larry married Jeanne Johnston at Cedar Lane Church in Bethesda, MD. Together they built a life filled with adventure and family. After living briefly in Boston, they moved to East Lansing, MI, where Larry attended Michigan State University while working odd jobs and raising their young family. Upon graduation, they settled in West Newbury, VT, and later in Hanover, NH, before making their home in Enfield on Lake Mascoma and, most recently, Norwich, VT along the banks of the Connecticut River.

Larry's career included a few roles before he became Director of Personnel at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital (Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center) in Hanover, NH. Outside of work, he was happiest with a project-repairing old homes, building new ones, or tinkering with something on the water. He loved boating and fishing and, in his younger years, skiing. His children fondly remember the ski rope tow he operated on the hill in West Newbury Village, a testament to his resourcefulness and love for family fun.

He was predeceased by his brother, J. Alan Holmes. Larry leaves behind his devoted wife of nearly 65 years, Jeanne Holmes of Norwich, VT; three children, Karen Schildge of Truckee, CA, Mark Holmes of Louisville, CO, and Jennifer Holmes-Abbey of San Mateo, CA; and six grandchildren-Lola, Lydia, Luke, Liam, Mitchell, and Ryan-who brought him endless joy.

A celebration of Larry's life will be held at the Norwich Inn on January 10, 2026, from 2 – 5 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Green Mountain Conservation Camp Endowment Fund, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, 1 National Life Drive, Davis 2, Montpelier, VT 05620 https://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/get-involved/donate/green-mountain-conservation-camp-endowment-fund. Arrangements are under the care of Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction. Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.