John P. Houlihan, 84, of Dartmouth died September 3, 2025 peacefully at Massachusetts General Hospital after a period of declining health. He was the husband of Sandra "Sam" (Lawrence) Houlihan.

 

Born and raised in New Bedford, the son of the late William F. and Sarah (O'Reilly) Houlihan, he lived in Dartmouth for most of his life.

 

A proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Vietnam War.

 

John was formerly employed as a lineman for Verizon for 36 years and then worked as a contract work inspector for three years until his retirement.

 

He was a loving husband, brother, uncle, and friend. He took great pride in being a father and grandfather, cherished attending his grandchildren's sporting events, and celebrating their milestones and accomplishments. He eagerly looked forward to his weekly golf outings with friends.

 

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; his daughter, Kelly A. Houlihan-LaPuma and her husband P.J. LaPuma, of Foxboro, along with their children, Brendan T. LaPuma and Alyssa A. LaPuma; his son, Kevin P. Houlihan, and his wife Melissa A. Barton-Houlihan of Dartmouth, and their children, James Barton-Tucker, MD, and his husband Jake G. Tucker, Ella C. Houlihan, and Cooper P. Houlihan; his sister, Teresa McManus of Dartmouth; his brother William F. Houlihan and his wife, Elizabeth of Naples, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

 

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 10 AM at St. Mary's Church, 795 Dartmouth St., Dartmouth, with everyone meeting directly at the Church. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Wounded Warrior Project. For online condolence book, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.