David Michael Holmes, 61, of Oak Park, died peacefully on April 25, 2024 from cardiac arrest. Born on Oct. 30, 1962 in Utica, New York, the oldest of four brothers, he graduated from Wheaton Central High School, attended the University of Iowa, and earned his bachelor’s and JD degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
He was a dedicated partner at the law firm of Wilson Elser, where he made many lifelong friends over his 30-year career. He served as a member of Wilson Elser’s executive committee and chair of the London Practice. He was the firm’s Midwest Region managing partner, with responsibility for overseeing offices in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin.
He also dedicated many hours to serving his local community, coaching numerous seasons of baseball, basketball, and softball in Oak Park and serving as a tutor for youth at Learning Edge Tutoring for over 15 years. He was also an active member of Ascension Parish, serving as a marriage mentor and as a leader on Appalachian Service Project trips. He also devoted his time to St. Catherine/St. Lucy School, organizing barbeques, fundraisers, and helping to start a tutoring program. Beyond his career and volunteer work, he loved perfecting his golf swing at the range, running and biking, playing his favorite tunes too loud in the house while cooking, practicing early morning meditation, reading the New York Times, and bringing his whole family together for cherished meals at the dinner table.
David will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His warmth, faith, generosity, tenacity for life, and love for all will be remembered forever. The family extends their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support.
David was the husband of Suzanne Holmes; the father of Katie (Stephen) and Robby (Isabel), and the brother of John (Lauren), Tim (Colleen), and Tom (Laura). He was preceded in death by his parents, Judy and Don Holmes.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to two programs Dave loved dearly:
Learning Edge Tutoring, 535 N. Parkside Ave., Chicago, IL 60644, c/o The Field School, https://learningedgetutoring.org/donate/.
St. Catherine/St. Lucy School, 27 Washington Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 (bloomerang.co), checks payable to SCSL School, filling in the memo line with “Scholarship Assistance Program” and mailing it to the address above.
