Eugene Raymond Houghton

Eugene Raymond Houghton, age 83, of West Palm Beach, Florida passed away in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family on May 2, 2022.  Mr. Houghton, the youngest of seven, was born in New York, New York on September 16, 1938, to Irish immigrants.  He was a Veteran of the US Navy, where he served as Radio Technician, Aircraft Division.  Gene is survived by his loving wife, Theresa, whom he adored for over 61 years; their four children, Maureen, Eugene (Kathleen, wife), Eileen, and Kathy (Victor, fiancé); their ten grandchildren; Shannon (Nazar, husband), Brendan (Darby, wife), Nicole (John, husband), Dennis (Tess, fiancé), Alicia (Evan, husband), Conor (Shannon, wife), Erin, Kerri, Logan, and Brice.  Gene, Dad, Poppy, Uncle Genie, Mr. Houghton was a great influence in the lives many.  He, as well as the special dinners, apple pies, and Irish soda bread he lovingly prepared with his wife Terry, will be missed dearly by many family members and friends.

Gene was a life-long learner, inspiring and encouraging many to share their talents to bring God’s love to our world.  Gene taught his family to always appreciate God’s grace and beauty in nature; whether it was through dancing, sailing, teaching Tai Chi, oil painting, digging in rock quarries, floating in the ocean, canoeing in Maine, picking strawberries or perfecting your golf swing.  His witty jokes, challenging philosophical questions, and mastery of chess, pool, scrabble, guitar, piano and most anything he set his sights on will live on in those who carry his love in their hearts.

His final words of advice were about LOVE.  We are born to learn about love.  To grow in love.  If you spend your life learning about something… let it be love.  We just need to reflect and know how to “see” it.  Spend your life learning to accept and show love.  He measured the success of his life by all those who knew of his love for them, and theirs’ for him.

Please join Gene’s family in a Celebration of His Life from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, May 8, 2022 at Tillman Funeral Home & Crematory, West Palm Beach. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Antony Pulikal at 12:00 PM on Monday, May 9, 2022 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 345 South Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Mr. Houghton will be laid to rest with Military Honors at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 South State Road 7, Lake Worth, Florida. Please assemble in Lane #3 by 10:45 AM if attending services at the cemetery on Thursday.