Obituaries

Moses Joseph Holmes, Jr., 83, of Southbury, CT, affectionately known as Joey to family, and Moe to friends, peacefully departed this earth for his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.  The beloved son of the late Moses Joseph Holmes, Sr. and late Mary Coaster Leach Holmes, he was born on December 21, 1939, the second oldest of seven loving children.  Joey had a smile that lit up every room and was a blessing to his parents and siblings.

Joey was offered and utilized an innovative vocational path to education in the 1940s shortly before his tenth birthday.  In his vocational track, Joey learned to be independent and industrious.  At a very early age, he earned how to ride a bicycle and continued to ride for most of his life.  He participated in Special Olympics as a cyclist, received his most beloved medal and plaque, and had the unique opportunity to meet Connecticut’s legislative delegation. Joey worked in a full-time Day Program until his retirement in September 2018.  Like his father, Joey loved to spend some of his well-deserved retirement leisure time in the evenings in a reclining chair, watching his favorite TV shows.

Joey was most joyful around his family, especially during elaborate Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas celebrations.  Surrounded by family and food, Joey could be seen at the head of the table, monitoring, and observing his constantly growing family, always thrilled to meet a newborn niece or nephew.  Joey was always excited to share his accomplishments in arts and crafts.  He appreciated colorful drawings.  He loved working with his hands and created many beautiful and useful potholders which he always gifted his family.  He had a knack for story-telling; he often shared his adventures and new discoveries.

In addition to his loving parents, Joey was predeceased by his sister, Marilyn Holmes Gatling and two sisters-in-law, Kerry Wyrick Holmes and Margaret Johnson Holmes.  Left to cherish his beloved memory are his siblings, George T. Holmes, Sr. of Naugatuck, CT; Bernard W. Holmes of Watertown, CT; Vivian Holmes of Syracuse, NY; Alvin R. Holmes (Lillian) of Milford, CT; and Robert Holmes (Deborah) of Laverock, PA.  He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the Southbury Training School for its many years of dedicated support and service.

Condolences may be shared via www.colonialfunerals.com; James R Sanders, Funeral Director and Colonial Funerals 270 West Main Street, Waterbury are handling arrangements.  Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate to an organization of your choice in honor of Joey.