Paul Francis Houlihan Obituary
On August 30, 2024, Paul Francis Houlihan, just shy of his 89th birthday, left this world to join his beautiful wife Kay (“Katie,†as only Paul called her) in Eternal Life. Words cannot describe how much he will be missed.
Paul was the oldest of seven children born to Catherine (Cusack) “Sis†Houlihan and William L. Houlihan. He is survived by his two youngest siblings, Mary (John) McCluskey and Mike (Mary) Houlihan. His other brothers were faster than Paul and beat him to Heaven: Dan (the Late Mary Alice), Billy, John (Vicky), and Brian.
Paul is also survived by his two daughters, Kim Rooney and Lynn (Ryan) Harrington, whose hearts are broken by the loss of their beloved father, but also comforted by the knowledge that he is finally reunited with his beloved Katie. Paul was also blessed with six grandchildren, who will miss their Papa terribly: Kevin (Kelly) Rooney, Danny (Rós) Rooney, Shannon Rooney, Kathryn (fiancé Ben Goodell) Harrington, Jack Harrington and Elizabeth Harrington.
Paul was a true Irishman. He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. His sense of humor and unrelenting ability to get into mischief earned him many friends among the staff at Smith Village, where he lived for the past five years. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place when Paul passed away.
Paul worked for many years in the electronics industry, eventually putting out his shingle and starting Houlihan Sales Associates. He traveled the world selling the parts for PC boards before computers were a mainstay in every household. He shared incredible stories of his journeys with Kim and Lynn, who were enraptured by his every word.
Like a good Irishman, Paul was also a good Catholic. He and Kay served on the school board at St. Theresa in Palatine and ran many school and parish fund raisers. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus (although he always forced Kim and Lynn to sell the Tootsie Rolls every year) and he could regularly be heard laughing too loud in the narthex during Mass, where he served as an usher for many years.
Until we meet again, Dad, may God hold you in the palm of His Hand. You were one of a kind. We Love You More.
Visitation Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. until time of Prayer Service 10:15 a.m. at Curley Funeral Home, 6116 W. 111th St., Chicago Ridge, IL, to 11 a.m. Mass at Christ the King Catholic Church, 9235 S. Hamilton Avenue, Chicago IL 60643. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. For funeral information call: (708) 422-2700 or www.curleyfuneralhome.com.
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