William F. Houlihan December 11, 1918 - July 24, 2019

Bill was born and raised in Boston, MA in the midst of the Great Depression by James and Helen (O'Brien) Houlihan. Despite this, he persevered through life challenges with tenacity and determination, forming close friendships along the way.

Bill, Hoolie as he often liked to go by, went on to serve at Thurleigh, England during WWII as a medic in the 306th bomb group. In spite of witnessing tragedy on a near daily basis, he fondly recalled the happy experiences and friendships he made during this time. One memorable time he liked to recount was spent at the Bushmills distillery in Belfast. He accompanied a group going on a "booze run" for the officers, and while he was there, ended up enjoying his whiskey tasting at the distillery a little bit too much (and for too long). While he was threatened to be court martialed by his commanding officer, he made it back to the base to continue serving in the end

Bill showed determination in all aspects of his life, and very notably in his education. He first obtained his GED after leaving home before finishing high school, then returned for his bachelors, all while raising his two children and working full time. Though Bill's dear wife Ruth was hoping he would stop there, he continued onto receive his masters in business. He started to consider going for his Doctorate, until Ruth's reaction to that thought encouraged him not to do so.

Bill was a generous and kind hearted man. He had a feisty Irish spirit, but also fierce loyalty and devotion to all of his family and friends. He believed in always doing the right thing, no matter how hard it was, and constantly striving to treat others the way you want to be treated. Bill taught many life lessons to those around him in the way he lived his life.

Bill was a truly great man. The love of his life was his "Ruthie" Ruth (Jones) Houlihan, and he was fiercely devoted to her until she passed. He also deeply loved his two children; Patrick (Susan Beusching) and Cynthia (Joel LaBo) Houlihan and four grandchildren: Liam and Ryan Houlihan and Caitlin and Connor LaBo. He loved his family, friends, and country, and willingly made sacrifices for all of them. He lived life to the fullest, remaining active with his grandchildren well into his 80s and beyond.

Bill lived an incredible 100 years full of love, dedication, and loyalty. His family and friends will forever remember his love, the lessons he passed on, and the amazing life he led.

Bill's family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 7, from 2:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home with a rosary at 7 p.m.

His Memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday morning, August 8, at 10:00 am, (visitation 9:30 am) at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Rd. Farmington.

Burial will take place at 1:30 pm, Thursday afternoon, at Great Lakes National Cemetery 4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI

In Lieu of flowers, donations in memory of William may be made to the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) at 25300 Five Mile Rd., Redford, MI 48239 or to Farmington Hills Police Benevolent Association (FHPBA) at PO Box 255, Farmington Hills, MI 48332.

Kindly keep Bill and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Wednesday, August 07, 2019

2:00 PM - 9:00 PM

33603 Grand River Avenue
Farmington, Michigan 48335

Directions Memorial Mass Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church

Thursday, August 08, 2019

10:00 AM

23815 Power Road
Farmington, Michigan 48336-2461

Directions Interment Great Lakes National Cemetery

Thursday, August 08, 2019

1:30 PM

4200 Belford Road
Holly, MI 48442

Directions