Ernest Arthur Holmes' Obituary
Ernest Holmes 73, of Fredericksburg, VA passed away unexpectedly on April 20, 2026. He was born April 3, 1953, in Caribou, Maine, to the late Gordon Holmes and the late Barbara Dow.
After high school, Ernie enlisted in the United States Airforce as an Aircraft Mechanic and was ultimately stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base. Ernie called upstate New York home until relocating to Virginia in 1997. He was employed for over 14 years at Pinnacle Communications Corporation where he served as the Director of Entertainment Services at the time of his death. Ernie enjoyed many hobbies, but what he enjoyed the most was spending time with family and friends, watching Baseball and Hockey, traveling and Disney Traditions.
Ernie is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Dianne; his brother, Elmer of Caanan, ME; his sister, Greta Holmes-Wilson (Scott) of Presque Isle, ME; his brother, Gerald of East Hartford, CT; and his daughters, Shannon Sullivan (William), Celena Marquez (JP), and Crystal Caperton (Denham). Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, Jonathan Furnia (Erin), Jessica Hutchinson (Shawn), Nicholas Furnia, Anthony Holmes and Airman Jack Bruso; great-grandchildren, Jackson Furnia, Isabelle Holmes, Eli Hutchinson, Theodore Holmes, and Everlee Furnia; and family friends, Mark Bruso, Nick and Tammy McDaniel, and Jeff and Vicky Beasley.
In keeping with his generous spirit, he was a tissue donor, offering the gift of support to others even after his passing. His selflessness and compassion will continue to live on in the lives he touched, reflecting a legacy of kindness that endures beyond his years.
A celebration of life will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 10719 Courthouse Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider honoring Ernie’s memory with a donation to the Virginia Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a cause near to his and his families’ heart, PO Box 28, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22803.
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