Thomas Harrison Holmes

Thomas Harrison Holmes was born to Bertha Marsella (Banks) and Frederick Madison Holmes, Sr. on February 2, 1950, in Manassas, Virginia where he became a proud Virginian and spent his last days. He graduated from Manassas’ Osbourn High School in 1968 where he was a Drum Major and the Virginia State Typing Champion. He served in the U.S. Navy for ten years, becoming one of the first Navy Intelligence Specialists, and served in an assignment in Malta. He then joined the Office of Naval Intelligence in Washington, D.C., overseeing the security of the U.S. submarines, until his retirement in 2006. After battling lymphoma cancer for 12 years, Thomas came out of retirement on March 5, 2023 to work as one of God’s Special Angels. Thomas married Jean Marie Latimer Pyles in 1975. In 1990, the year of Jean’s passing, she gave Thomas his beloved cat, Trouble Marie, for his fortieth birthday, and Trouble Marie kept him company for 17 years. Thomas met his husband Mario Rocha in 1998 and 13 years later they were finally allowed to be married in Washington, D.C. They built their first retirement home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and then moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for four years of condo retirement living. They were on their way to Pismo Beach, California (Mario’s home state) to build their new retirement home when they did not get past their holiday stop in Manassas. Thomas loved entertaining, cooking up a storm to share with others, and traveling. He readily offered a helping hand, such as volunteering with the Whitman Walker Clinic in its fight against AIDS and completing the Marine Corps Marathon to help raise funds. He also served as a DC Capital Pride volunteer and Chairperson. Thomas is survived by his husband Mario Rocha, sisters Delores Brown (Kenneth) and Barbara Lepre, “Little Brother” Robert Caruano (Peter Sacoulas), stepson Alan Pyles (Kaye), granddaughter Jennifer Wright, great-grandson Hunter, and many close relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Frederick Holmes, Jr. (Gail). Services will be held at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle at 1725 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036 on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, with viewing at 9 AM and Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM. The mass will be live streamed (check back here for the link which will be posted later). The mass will be live streamed at https://youtube.com/live/3DEWdJEppL4?feature=share

Thomas Harrison Holmes

February 2, 1950 - March 5, 2023