TimesLeader.com

Joseph G. Houlihan

August 5, 2009

Joseph G. Houlihan, 88, of Justus, died Wednesday in the Hospice Unit at Mercy Hospital. His wife of 56 years, the former Jane Mackrell, died Sept. 13, 2002.

click image to enlarge

Select images available for purchase in the
Times Leader Photo Store

Born Sept. 28, 1920, in Scranton, son of the late Joseph and the late Marie Moran Houlihan, he resided in Olyphant and Throop before moving to Justus in 1979. He was a 1938 graduate of St. Patrick’s High School, Olyphant, and attended St. Thomas College, Scranton. He later received his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Scranton, where he attended evening school. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He served in England, France and Germany.

He began his accounting career with the Hudson Coal Co. and later, M.S. Hoffman Corp. and Chrysler Corp. He retired from General Dynamics as the accounting manager. He was a member of Our Lady of the Snows and the Church of St. Benedict Parish, Clarks Summit, and the Shopa-Davey Post # 6082, VFW, Peckville.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Lackawanna Beagle Club, Sunset Anglers Fishing Club and the Scranton Pigeon Club and had participated in their annual pigeon races. A devoted family man, he enjoyed gatherings with his family. He was a faithful person and kind to others. He was a devoted Notre Dame fan. He was a hard-working man who was proud of his many accomplishments and, most of all, his family. He lost his best friend, hunting and fishing partner with the untimely death of his son. His gentleness and kindness will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Surviving are two daughters, Mary J. Valvano and husband, Rocco, Williamsport; Susan O’Leary, Denver, Colo.; a grandson, Patrick Houlihan and wife, Tara, Clarks Summit; two granddaughters, Annie Badasarian and husband, Ken, Lansdale; and Luci Steinbacher and husband, Mike, Williamsport; seven great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He also was preceded in death by a son, Joseph G. Houlihan Jr.; and two brothers, attorney Daniel J. Houlihan and Fred Houlihan. The funeral will be Saturday with Mass at 9 a.m. in Our Lady of the Snows Church, 301 S. State St., Clarks Summit, to be celebrated by Monsignor James J. McGarry. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, with full military honors. Friends may call Friday, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit.