John Joseph Houlihan Jr.

GORHAM - John Joseph Houlihan, Jr. was born June 6, 1947, and passed away October 27, 2022, from complications of a stroke. He was 75 years old and had happily made his home in Gorham, Maine for over 40 years. John and his wife Cynthia (Johnson) Houlihan celebrated 44 years of marriage in August, and they had two children, Andrew and Shannon. John spent his childhood in New York City with his parents Catherine & John, Sr. (both deceased) and his brother, Richard, now of Miami, Florida. John attended Regis High School, earned his undergraduate degree at The College of the Holy Cross, and received his J.D. from Harvard University. Well-versed in law but seeking a more creative outlet, John found his calling in the classroom. A natural orator, John spent 30 plus years as a professor of Business Law at the University of Southern Maine, and he especially enjoyed working with the Honors program and his night class students. John thrived among people, always ready to strike up a conversation, whether with friends or complete strangers. Talk to John for more than five minutes and you’d appreciate his quick wit, self-deprecating humor, and learn that he grew up in New York City. When not talking to strangers, he was happily at home with family, learning computer skills and games with his son Andrew and attending numerous track meets with his daughter Shannon. He was present and involved in any activity for his children, whether that might be Cub Scout camping during a monsoon, or parent-participation day in ballet class. John & his wife Cynthia flourished building a simple country life together, even if she did get rid of his cherished yellow couch. Better at making holes in the ceiling than fixing them, John preferred the outdoors, riding his tractor, cutting wood, and working in the garden. He could be found outside every season, swimming, biking, and skiing for hours, soaking in the natural beauty just out the back door. John & Cynthia spent many contented hours at home, but delighted in traveling the world to visit family and friends near and far. John could make friends and find himself at home almost anywhere, whether on a mountain road in Greece, a cow pasture in England, or in his familial hometown of Ballydavid in Ireland. Ever ready for adventure, John always, always took the back roads, just to see where they might lead. More often than not, they ended up exactly where he wanted to be and he lived his life with the mentality “Not all who wander are lost.” John was proudly thrifty (some might say cheap), always stashing something in the barn in case it was needed in the future and wearing his favorite orange jacket until it fell to pieces, and then wearing it just a bit longer. Fans across Southern Maine high school sports events knew him by sight and by reputation. It’s easy to stand out in a crowd when you’re 6’4” and wearing blaze orange, but John made his presence known in many ways, talking to everyone, giving positive advice, and loudly cheering for everyone on the field. A puzzle and game enthusiast, John was a devotee of the New York Times crosswords. He was in his element at the card table, playing with vigor and just a little ruthlessness, delighting in good games and good company with his bridge, pinochle, and pitch partners. John continued to enjoy his games in later years, along with kayaking on the river, ice cream outings, “Think Tank” with his neighborhood buddies, and just sitting outside to enjoy the sunshine. John’s orange jacket now fills the spot in his chair out in the sunshine, a reminder of the joyful presence he brought to his family, his neighborhood, and many strangers-turned-friends along the way. He will be dearly missed. John’s family plans to celebrate his life with a gathering of friends and family next summer, to share the sunshine and good memories. To express condolences and to participate in John’s online tribute, please visit www.DolbyBlaisSegee.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity near to your heart.

John Joseph Houlihan Jr.

June 6, 1947 - October 27, 2022

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