John Richard Holman, Sr.

John Richard Holman, Sr., 79, of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, passed away on June 17, 2025.

Born on March 10, 1946, in Chester, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Jacob J. Holman and Ruth Jefferson Holman. John graduated from Chester High School in 1965 and later moved from Newark, Delaware, to Port Saint Lucie in 1985.

John proudly served in the United States Army from May 1966 to March 1968. He was deployed to Vietnam in March 1967, returned safely home in March of 1968 and honorably discharged from active duty. Following his military service, John worked many jobs including at Boeing as a machinist, then later managed a Thom McAn shoes store at the Christiana Mall in Wilmington, Delaware where he met his young bride-to-be, MarySue. After moving to Florida in 1985, he worked in construction before beginning a long career with Martin County Utilities in 1987. He was promoted to a supervisory position and retired in 2010 after 23 years of service. In retirement, he worked as a greeter and soon became a sales associate at Bass Pro Shops in Port Saint Lucie—a role that suited his friendly and social personality—until June 2024.

John was a lifelong sports enthusiast who loved football, baseball, basketball, golf, and fishing. He also had a deep appreciation for music and musicals. Known for his sense of humor, social nature, and occasional mischievous streak, he enjoyed meeting people, telling stories, and joking around. He could be stubborn or had a little short fuse at times—but those who knew him best would say that only made him more endearing.

Raised Catholic and once an altar boy, John came to a deeper personal faith in 1988. He and his wife MarySue became actively involved in ministry at Calvary Assembly, where he served as a deacon, head usher, and participated in men’s, couples, and drama ministries. He later continued serving as an usher at Grace Family Church. Though his church attendance waned in later years, he never lost his faith in God. In March of 2025, on his 79th birthday, he rededicated his life to Christ in a heartfelt prayer.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob J. and Ruth Jefferson Holman and his loving stepmother, Mable Hannum Holman; his beloved wife of 23 years, MarySue R. Freeman Holman, with whom he shared 25 years of marriage and family; his beloved daughter, An'Drea Christine Holman Kinslow; and his longtime companion, recently wedded and recently departed wife, Cheryl Ann Carothers.

He is survived by his children: John R. Holman Jr. (Karen) of Lake Wales, FL; Susann Holman Purificato (Anthony III) of Port Saint Lucie, FL; and Christopher M. Holman (Marisol) of Lakeland, FL. Grandchildren: Geoffrey West (Chloe), Zacharey Holman, Trey Holman, Victoria Purificato, Kobe Zentgraf, Ana Zentgraf, and Thomas Kinslow III. Siblings: Keith Holman (Gail) of Palm City, FL; and Deborah Darrah of Stuart, FL. In-Law: Fred Lynch (Debbie) of Wilmington, DE; Niece and nephews: Eddie Darrah of Stuart, FL; Lisa Darrah of Wilmington, DE; David Holman (Brittny) of Port Saint Lucie, FL; and many cherished nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephew and in-laws who remained close throughout his life..

John’s life was marked by service—to his country, his community, and his family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 28th, beginning at 11:00 am at Discovery Church 4441 S 25th St, Fort Pierce, FL 34981.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor John by sharing a story, a laugh, or a memory of how he touched your life.