WORCESTER - Charles L Holmes, 71, of Worcester, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 5 2013 at home with his family by his side.

Charles was born June 10, 1942 in Niskayuna, the son of the late H. Neil and Hazel (Blanton) Holmes.

He graduated from Worcester Central School in 1960. He then attended Syracuse University but transferred to SUNY Oneonta where he graduated in 1965. On Nov. 10, 1965 he married MaryAnn Verity in Albany. He was employed by NY State Department of Social Services in Albany for ten years. In 1969 he relocated from Albany back to Worcester. After designing and building his Decatur home in 1974 he was inspired to start his own carpentry business. From 1975 to 2011 he built and remodeled numerous area homes and businesses. During his retirement he mastered the art of caning and enjoyed making wind chimes. He also enjoyed being the projectionist at the Worcester Weiting Theater for several years.

While attending Syracuse University he pursued his interest in fraternal organizations and joined the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. After Syracuse he co-founded a local organization the Brotherhood of the Mission with several long time friends. Then he followed his father's footsteps and joined the local Masonic chapter.

Charles was made a Freemason on October 10, 1983 at Schenevus Valley Lodge #592 of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York. He was passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft on November 11, 1983 and raised to the Degree of Master Mason on November 28, 1983. He held several offices within S.V.L. #592, including Junior and Senior Warden and was Master of the Lodge from 1992 to 1993.

From 1992 to 1995, Charles was appointed by the Grand Lodge to office of Assistant Grand Lecturer, thus attaining the title of Very Worshipful. As one of the Lodge's longest serving Secretaries, Charles served in this position from 1995 to 2012. From 2001 to 2002 he was also appointed a Grand Steward, earning the title of Right Worshipful.

The fraternity he felt with the Masons gave him some of the greatest joy in his life. In addition to belonging to the lodge he took great pride in making improvements to the building and the organizations' operations. Charles was more than a pillar of S.V.L. #592: he was the very foundation of the Lodge. There is literally not a room or corner of the Lodge where one cannot see his handiwork. He will be missed by Masons one and all.

He is survived by his wife, MaryAnn, Worcester; daughter, Jennifer Space (husband, Sam), Rhode Island; brother, Wayne (wife, Gloria), Norwich; nieces, Jessica Waterman (husband, DJ), Rebecca Holmes and Amanda Holmes, Pennsylvania; grand-niece, Addisyn Waterman, Pennsylvania; aunt, Loy Belak (husband, Bill) Altamont; a brother-in-law, Artie Verity of Worcester, and several cousins.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Masonic Service 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013 at the Schenevus Valley Lodge #592, 82 Main Street, Schenevus NY; with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta NY 13820 or the Schenevus Valley Masonic Lodge #592, 82 Main Street, Schenevus NY 12155.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.skinnerfuneralchapel.com

Arrangements are with the E.J. Skinner Co., 155 Main St., Worcester.