Donald C. Houghton

Donald C. Houghton, Don, Papa, The Man, The Myth, The Legend, a lifelong friend, family man, and resident of Hebron, Connecticut, passed away unexpectedly on March 4th, 2023 at the age of 66.

Born in Andover, Connecticut on January 18th, 1957, to Carl and Carol Houghton, Don graduated from RHAM High School in 1975.  He was a staple in the community for decades.  From his kids’ basketball, softball, and soccer games, to most recently, cross country meets for his oldest grandson, he cheered from the RHAM sidelines for decades.  He volunteered for the Andover Fire Department, coached youth basketball and baseball, and brought smiles to everyone who met him.

Don held positions in the manufacturing and distribution markets for decades, but his love was spending time with his family and friends.  Throughout his glory days, he galvanized his legacy by harnessing his relationships with friends, family, and community. His steadfast work ethic and “give the shirt off my back” attitude was a true testament to the man he was. Retiring from American Design in 2022, he aspired to spend time with his wife of sixteen years, bounce around with his seven grand kids, fill rooms with laughter and, at times, tell an inappropriate joke or two.

Don loved spending his days on the golf course, camping in Vermont over July 4th, and taking to the road on his Harley.  No one rocked a dance floor like Don.  He had a knack for convincing anyone to play a few rounds of cribbage with him, and during the warmer months, he took pleasure in cultivating his vegetable garden.  However, his true summer joy came from sharing time with friends and family around the fire pit.  In retirement, he enjoyed visiting Charleston to see his son and grandkids, took to axe throwing, and met for Saturday morning breakfast with his high school buddies. 

Don is survived by his wife, Kate Herlihy, children, Donald Houghton Jr., and wife Kayla of Charleston, SC, and their children, Libby, Mattingly, Evvy and Donald “Tripp” Houghton III, Stephanie Houghton of Andover and her son Ashton, Jacquelyn McKenzie and husband Keith of Andover and their children Gavin and Mason, and Morrgan Herlihy and partner Erik Bachmann of Wallingford.  He is also survived by his brother Brian Houghton and wife Karen of Cape Canaveral, FL, sister, Cheryl Mayhew and husband Phil of Andover, former wife Marsha of Andover, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, March 11th, from 4pm to 7pm at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, Connecticut, and services will be held in the same location on Sunday, March 12th at noon. A luncheon will take place following Sunday services at Colchester Fish and Game located at 16 Old Town Road. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Don’s name to either the Andover or Hebron Fire Department.  

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