Joseph Alexander Holmes, 85, of North Haven, beloved husband of 43 years to Isabelle Terrell Holmes, died Nov. 16. Joseph was born Dec. 10, 1927 in Hartford to the late Joseph and Lillie Powell Holmes. He resided in North Haven for the past 31 years.

After high school, he served in the United States Army Paratroopers as a member of the all-black 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, and was honorably discharged from the integrated 82nd Airborne Division. He attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute and graduated with a bachelor of science in chemical engineering. He then began a long career as an engineer, chief chemist, and project manager for Sylvania, Admiral, GTE, Schick, and the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, before retiring in 1977.

In addition to his wife, Joseph is survived by three children, Joseph Holmes and his wife Loretta, Dawn and her husband James Stewart, and Diane and her husband Greg Anderson; brother Samuel Holmes and his wife Joyce; and five grandchildren, Xavier, Evan, Lillian, Blake, and Isabel. He was predeceased by his brother David Holmes.

Joseph's family will receive relatives and friends Saturday, Nov. 23 from 9- 11 a.m. at the Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave, North Haven. A funeral service with military honors will follow at 11 a.m., the Reverend Curtis Jenkins officiating. Burial will be private. The Washington Memorial Funeral Home, North Haven, is in charge of arrangements. www.washingtonmemorialfh.com.