John Houlihan's Obituary
John Houlihan died in Campbell, CA on June 24, 2017 at the age of 86. John was born in Bakersfield, CA in 1930 to Martha Koreski of Yakima, WA and Patrick Houlihan of Kilrush, Ireland. John was the oldest of three children, yet he survived his two sisters, Patricia Pouliot and Sheila Ward.San Francisco was his home during adolescence where he attended Star of the Sea School through 6th grade. The family moved to Redwood City where his schooling continued in Catholic schools. He was part of the first graduating class that attended 4 years at Serra High School.John proudly served in the Navy during the Korean War from January 3, 1951 to October 29, 1954. He served on the Board of Trustees for the Fremont Union High School District in Sunnyvale from 1969-1985. John was always a civic-minded gentleman who received a number of awards from the City of Sunnyvale for his service. He was a member of the Exchange Club which later became the Sunnyvale Service and Athletic Club.When John’s uncle, Donald Koreski, came to live with them in San Francisco, a strong bond formed. He mentored John in his early years of selling Real Estate and Insurance. John later became the business owner and broker of the business until his retirement in 1998.Primary sources of joy in John’s life were always people first, followed by active participation in numerous sports and travel. John made everyone feel like family and consistently balanced work and play. He lived true to the philosophy “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”John is survived by his wife of 34 years, Leona Houlihan, and his children Tom (wife Darlene) of Greer, SC, Colleen (husband Jim Miller) of Santa Barbara, James of Campbell and his grandson (John’s namesake) JD of Los Gatos.John passed away peacefully from complications of Alzheimer’s type dementia surrounded by the warmth and love of his family on Saturday June 24, 2017. A private graveside service was held at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo County.“Remember when you leave this earth you can take with you nothing you have received — only what you have given: a heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.” — St. Francis of AssisiIn lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in John’s name to RRAD (Research and Respite for Alzheimer’s) 2380 Enborg Lane, San Jose, CA 95128. Donations may also be made online – www.alzactivitycenter.org/donate1 or to any charity of your choice.
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