Samuel L. Holmes

Mr. Holmes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Edinboro University, a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and later pursued further studies at NYU.

He dedicated nearly his entire career to the Bemus Point Central School District as a secondary school art teacher, from 1965 to 1997. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and love of art and history with his students, teaching a variety of classes, taking students to museums, leading class trips to NYC and to Europe, and working with students to create stage scenery for the school plays & musicals. Mr. Holmes was a highly regarded educator, respected and admired by administration, colleagues and students alike.

An accomplished photographer, he was able to combine his love of world travel and photography by capturing and sharing images of beautiful, historic places around the world. He was a frequent participant in archeological tours, especially enjoying his trips to China, Europe, India, Japan, Mexico and Peru. He shared and narrated his personal slide show travelogues with friends.

Throughout his lifetime, Sam Holmes was a dedicated educator and valued community member who volunteered in nursing homes and other community organizations. He loved conversing, learning, researching, art, books, other cultures, gardening, and maintaining an impeccable home and yard. He read books daily. His well-known love of driving led to many memorable family adventures driving across the country.

He truly loved and embraced his life in Western New York, especially in the Chautauqua Lake area. He will long be remembered for his brilliance, independence, articulate expression, wisdom, kind and gentle manner, modesty, and finesse.

He is survived by a sister, several nieces, nephews and has left behind many treasured friends and grateful students.

Friends are welcome to attend a brief interment service in the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Chapel, 410 N. Main St, Jamestown, NY, on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 11 a.m.

Cards or e-condolences may be sent to: The Family of Samuel L. Holmes

c/o McConaghy Funeral Home Ltd., 328 West Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003

www.mcconaghyfuneralhome.com

Donations in his memory may be made to:

The Katie Campbell Rexford Fund FBO Special Olympics c/o The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown NY 14701

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, New Neighbors Coalition, 410 N. Main St., Jamestown NY 14701

Bemus Point Public Library, 13 Main St., Bemus Point, NY 14712.