Robert Donald Houley

Robert Donald Houley, 85, of Jupiter, Florida, entered into eternal peace Wednesday, October 2, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 20, 1927, son of James Feeney Houley and Valida Marquis Houley, Bob was raised in Berlin, NH. It was during his childhood that he developed his strong work ethic by supporting his family from a young age by working at a local paper mill. Bob loved all sports and spent many hours on the playing fields in Berlin. Early on, Bob developed a strong sense of community which carried forward for all of his life. Bob attended Berlin High School where he played basketball, football and baseball. A talented, self-taught percussionist, as a teen, he played drums with a local jazz band during World War II. After high school, Bob served in the U.S. Marine Corp. Upon honorable discharge, he attended the University of New Hampshire. During his four years at UNH, he made a lasting impression on both his classmates and the university. Bob was president of Theta Kappa Phi and the Varsity Club, captain of both the lacrosse and hockey teams, despite the fact that he never played either sport before attending college. By sheer determination, Bob learned to skate and became the varsity goalie of the UNH hockey team. He graduated with the class of 1953. After graduation, Bob was employed by L.G. Balfour Company in the Fraternity Sales division. During his career, he was an award winning salesman. As a young man, Bob also worked summers at the Wentworth by the Sea, in New Hampshire. It was there in the summer of 1956 that he met his wife and love of his life, Helen. They were married in 1957 and began their lives together in Attleboro, Ma. In 1962, Bob moved his family to Vernon, CT and became active in local politics, serving as a member of the Vernon Town Council from 1965 -1968. His love of community and his desire to be involved led him into a career in politics that included serving as the State Senator of the 35th district for four terms from 1968 to 1978. During that time Bob served as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. He also served as Colonel of the Veterans Administration Hospital in Rocky Hill Connecticut during the Grasso administration. Later in his career he was a lobbyist with S&S Management before retiring to Jupiter, Florida. A man of amazing stamina, Bob spent his life balancing career, community and family. He became very involved in youth sports, helping to found and develop the Vernon Youth Hockey League. He spent many hours in hockey rinks either coaching his son's team or playing in goal with the New Britain Frontenac's, where he had a positive impact on each young man he encountered. While Bob and those who knew him were very proud of all of his accomplishments, what he valued most was the relationships he developed throughout his life and his love for his family. He made a lasting impression on anyone who had the pleasure of crossing his path during his long life and each person was better for knowing him. The consummate family man, he was devoted to his wife of 56 years, a loving father to his three children and the best grandfather to each one of his grandchildren. Every one of his family will carry a special memory of him in their hearts forever. Besides his wife, Bob leaves behind his son, James F. Houley and wife, Carolyn, of Hopkinton, MA; his two daughters, Kathleen A. Vita, of Somers, CT and Elizabeth Houley Glassman and husband, David of Brooklyn, NY, his former son-in-law, Hal Vita, Jr., his ten grandchildren, Dominic, Stephanie, Hal, III, Hannah, Mackenzie, Sarah, Isabella, Cameron, John, Jeffery; and three great-granddaughters, Kaylyn, Finley and Kieley. The Houley family invites family and friends to join them in celebration of his life. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, October 8th from 4-7 p.m. at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 136 S Main Street, West Hartford, CT. A Mass will be held on Wednesday, October 9th at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Bernard Church, 25 Saint Bernard Terrace, Rockville, CT. Internment will be in the St. Bernard Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project or University of New Hampshire Foundation. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.

Robert Donald Houley

October 2, 1928 - October 2, 2013