Frederick Sheldon Holmes

Frederick Sheldon Holmes departed this life suddenly on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, as a result of cardiac arrest.

Frederick was born on June 8, 1951, to the late John B. Holmes and Alice (McIntosh) Holmes in Newark, New Jersey. John and Alice had moved from Early County, Georgia and settled in Newark after marrying; Frederick was their first born child.

He was educated in the Newark Public School System, graduating from Southside High School. After graduation, he attended the Newark College of Engineering for one year before entering the United States Army. Fred spent much of his nine years and five months of service in Germany as a Hercules Fire Crewman and in Nike Hercules Missile Launcher Repair. He was discharged honorably at the rank of Sergeant with medals including the following: National Defense Medal, two Good Conduct Medals, and the designation of Rifle Sharpshooter.

Upon discharge from military service, he returned to Newark, attended school to obtain certification as an electrician, and began his twenty-eight-year career at New Jersey Transit Locomotive Shop. Fred retired in April 2016, only because he had to undergo hip replacement surgery and was unable to return to work.

An imposing figure at six foot five, he was a quiet, soft-spoken man who commanded great respect and admiration from many. Fred loved his family and loved being the best at his job. His wake was held in Newark on Friday, September 1, where coworkers and department heads gave testimony to his excellence at his craft, his character and his friendship. "He was my mentor and my friend. I looked up to him." "He was an honorable man." "Fred could fix anything!" "Nobody can do what Fred could do." These were just a few of the many accolades that he received. Fred was an avid reader, always seeking new and interesting information. His heart was big, and his generosity was even greater. Many sought his council, and he touched many in his neighborhood. Fred was the wind beneath his sister’s wings, and she could always count on him for advice, a listening ear, encouragement and support.

He leaves to cherish his memory his sister Cynthia D. (Holmes) Grant, brother-in-law David F. Grant, nephew Jemal D. Grant, niece Twyla C. Grant, loving friend Lydia Wade, and a host of cousins and friends.

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