Name: Calling hours for Thomas Houlahan
Start: 2016-12-19T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-12-19T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Aycock Funeral Home Young & Prill Chapel

Thomas Houlahan Stuart, FL - Thomas Joseph Houlahan, 79, of Stuart, FL, died peacefully at his home on December 14, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in New York, NY on March 2, 1937 and grew up in Mount Vernon and Eastchester. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. James and Evelyn (Browne) Houlahan, and siblings, Evelyn (Houlahan) Callahan and Joan (Houlahan) McGrath. Tom was a graduate of Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, NY. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History in 1959 from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. He enlisted in the Marine reserves during college and graduated from boot camp at MCRD, Parris Island, SC. Upon graduation from The Citadel, Tom was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. The Corps issued him a wife, 2nd Lt. Mary Jean Knapp, USMC, who was his XO for fifty years. He served his nation honorably for ten years, including two combat tours of duty in Vietnam in 1964-65 and 1968-69 as an aerial observer and company commander. Tom was Director of Human Resources at United Parcel Service in Charlotte, NC, and Jackson, MS; Howard Needles Tammen and Bergendoff and Stuart Hall in Kansas City, MO; Operations Director at Brandon Hall College Preparatory School in Atlanta, GA; HR Recruiter at NCCI in Boca Raton, FL; security officer at Jupiter Medical Center and security officer and concierge at The Carlisle Senior Living Community in Lantana, FL until March, 2016. He was a member of The Citadel Alumni Association, The Knights of Columbus-Council 6241, The Marine Corps League-Cpl. Justin Wilson Detachment, and The USS Galveston Association. In addition to his wife, the oncology nurse navigator at Delray Medical Center, Tom is survived by his children, LTC James Houlahan, USA (Ret.) of El Paso, TX, Col. Patrick Houlahan, USMC (Sarah) of San Diego, CA, and Capt. Sharon Houlahan, USMC of Newport, RI; grandchildren, Kelly and Ryan Houlahan of San Diego, CA, and Erin, Sean, Riana and Ian Houlahan of El Paso, TX: brothers-in-law, John Callahan and Ted McGrath; and many beloved nieces, nephews, godchildren, family and friends. Tom is remembered for his strength of character and his clever wit. His reverence for the Blessed Sacrament, love of country, and an undying love for his bride, Mary Jean, was unparalleled. "Knowing your Marines and looking out for their well-being" was a mission that Tom lived during his military service and his life. He was a stellar father, coach, husband, and mentor to all who knew him. He loved his dogs and Florida wildlife. Calling hours will be Monday, December 19, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Aycock Young and Prill Funeral Home, 6801 SE Federal Highway, Stuart, FL 34997. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 20, at 11:30 am at St. Andrew Church, 2100 SE Cove Rd, Stuart, FL 34997. Interment will follow at the South Florida National Cemetery at 6501 N State Rd 7, Lake Worth, FL 33449. Guests will be received at home following the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Lake Worth, FL, National Right to Life or Treasure Coast Hospice Veterans Program. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Dec. 17 to Dec. 18, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Houlahan

15 Entries

Patrick Houlahan

March 2, 2024

Love you Dad!

Betty Ann Morris

December 19, 2016

Rest In Peace Tom.

Betty Ann Morris

December 19, 2016

Dear Maryjean, Jim,Patrick, Sharon and all the family. I am terribly sorry for your loss. He was a proud Marine called to duty one last time.
Sorry I cannot be there at this time.
Sincerely
Betty Ann Morris
USMCR

Jackie Bernard

December 19, 2016

Farewell Tom!
"Semper Fidelis!"
We are all on the corner of life watching you go before us into the light of God! You, the brave and courageous warrior and champion of the challenges sent to you! Thank You for your humor and fine example of character. Your love and devotion to God, your wife, children, family, friends and country will always be remembered.
When the chips were down, you still kept your chin high and led with dignity and strength of character. The example you set for your children was exemplary. We are so sorry you were ill and had to pass at the golden age of your life but it seems that the others gone before us, have their umbrellas out on heaven's corner to greet you.
We send our deepest sympathy to Mary Jean, our dear sister, to Jim, Pat and Sharon, our nephews and niece and to our grand-nieces and nephews, Erin, Sean, Rianna, Ian, Kelly and Ryan.
With Love from Michele, Jackie, Jose, Teresa, Ben, David, Avery, Luisa, Isabel, Maya, Max, Riley and extended family.

Susan Théroux

December 19, 2016

Mary Jean, we love you so much and are thinking of you and your family.

Dr Anthony Dardano

December 18, 2016

Mary Jean, my wife and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies for your loss. May his soul rest in peace. Dr. & Mrs. Anthony Dardano

Anita Ellis

December 18, 2016

Dear Mary Jean, Jim, Pat and Sharon - Our hearts are with you. May you find peace thinking of all your memories with him. Love, your cousin, Nita, Steve and Jessica

December 18, 2016

Tom was a member of the Newman Club, Citadel chapter and an usher with me at Sunday Mass. A fellow New Yorker and Class of 1959 standout.
He was devoted to his God and Family. I will miss you Tom my friend, my Classmate; My brother in arms.
Colonel Philip J. Farese, USAR [RET ];Citadel, Class of 59.

John and BJ Proe

December 18, 2016

Knew Tom well while at The Citadel we interacted often at Mass and in the Newman Club. He was a good man and it was a pleasure to hook up again and meet Tom and Mary Jean at one of our Citadel class of 59 events. Our deep condolences but comforted in the knowledge that God will no care for Tom.

Lynelle zelnar

December 17, 2016

Dear Mary Jean and family, I'm so sorry for your loss, he was a true hero, and I'm so honored and blessed that I got to meet him! So glad you both were able to attend our Forgotten Soldiers Outreach A Hero's Toast Champagne Brunch! What an amazing man with an amazing wife and family! Our deepest condolences, he will be missed. Thoughs and prayers to all of you! Please know I am here for you if you need me, love you.....Lynelle Zelnar and Forgotten Soldiers Outreach

December 17, 2016

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time. So wonderful to hear that you had 50 years with your true love. What a blessing. Kathy Swindle

Kathy Swindle

December 17, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are also with you and your entire family. How precious to know that you had 50 years with the love of your life. Kathy Swindle

December 17, 2016

My sincere condolences to Mary Jean and the entire family. I feel honored to have met him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Patricia Jacobs