SOUTH PORTLAND – Michael W. Holmes, 78, of South Portland, died Friday, June 5, 2026, in Scarborough.

He was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, the son of Robert and Velma Holmes. He graduated from Algonquin High School, class of 1965.

After high school, he served honorably in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1970. Following the Navy, Mike joined the South Portland Fire Department from 1970-2001.

After the military, he earned his associate's degree in Fire Science from Southern Maine Technical College.

Michael married Patrice Cunningham on July 16, 1988, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

Michael retired as a Lieutenant of the South Portland Fire Department in 1998. He was on the Board of Directors of the Greater Portland Municipal Credit Union, now Evergreen Credit Union, from 1990-1993.

Mike has been recognized for the following achievements: VA Foreign Wars Certificate for Humanity; Outstanding Heroism Award, American Legion (1979); Honorable discharge from the Navy – Submarine Service (10/14/1972); Cumberland County Fireman’s Association Dedicated Service Award (1978).

He was a Volunteer for the Willard Beach Fire Department in South Portland from 1975 to his passing.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Patrice Holmes of South Portland; daughter Paula and husband Robert D’Andrea; sister Chris Holmes of Rhode Island; brother Greg Holmes of New York; stepdaughter Heidi and husband Brad Mitchell; stepson Jeffrey Benoit and his fiancée Jazmyn; sister-in-law Ruthe and husband John Ayres of New Hampshire; along with grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Visiting hours will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16th at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, Maine with a brief service at 1 p.m., followed by a reception at the Hobbs Hospitality Center.

A military burial will be held at 3 p.m. at Bay View Cemetery in South Portland after the reception.