Robert F. Houlihan

ALBANY — Robert “Bob” F. Houlihan, 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday August 23, 2026, at Shaker Place in Albany, NY. He was born on November 19, 1933, in Albany, the son of the late Francis M. Houlihan and Helena (Marchand) Houlihan. Bob grew up in Oneonta, NY, and went on to make his home in Rotterdam, NY, where he lived for nearly 60 years. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle whose kindness, warmth, and generous spirit touched everyone who knew him.
Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife of 70 years, Jerri, who passed away in March 2024. He is survived by his children, David Houlihan (Jan) of Binghamton, Karen Esposito (Gary) of Guilderland, Linda Houlihan of Albany, and Daniel Houlihan of Rensselaer; and his adored grandchildren, Markus, Meghan, Nicholas, Justin, Seamus, Aidan, and Declan. He was predeceased by his son, Thomas Houlihan, and daughter-in-law, Kathryn Houlihan.
Family was at the center of Bob’s life. He coached baseball at Carman Little League for many years and especially enjoyed family gatherings at Glimmerglass State Park. Some of his fondest memories were made on family trips down south, with everyone packed into the family motorhome. No trip was complete without a visit to his niece, Marylyn, and her husband, Don, in South Carolina—a tradition that became favorite family stories, often remembered and retold for years afterward.
Bob proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1956. Over the course of his working life, he held several jobs before joining Canteen Vending Corporation in Niskayuna, NY, where he served as Regional Comptroller for 30 years. He retired in 1994. Retirement gave Bob and Jerri the opportunity to enjoy many adventures together, including their cross-country automobile trips to Branson, Missouri. These journeys became cherished memories of their years together.
Bob was a lifelong tinkerer and fixer. He loved tools and took great satisfaction in working around the house and yard, repairing things, and figuring out how to make things work. His workshop and tool sheds were a testament to his resourcefulness and his enjoyment of a good project. He also enjoyed bowling with Jerri and good friends, Donna and Roy Ulmer, working on puzzles and Sudoku, and collecting crossword puzzles for Jerri.
Bob will be remembered most for his devotion to his family, his kindness, his quiet generosity, and the many everyday moments that made him such a special part of the lives of those around him.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to their wonderful neighbors, Karen and Bruce Trimper, Patty Mangino, and Donna and Roy Ulmer, for their friendship, kindness, and support. The family is also deeply grateful to the caring staff at Shaker Place for the compassion and care they provided to Bob.
Calling hours will be held on Friday August 28th from 9 to 10:30am at the DeMarco Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam, followed by a funeral service at 10:30am. He will then be interred with his wife Jerri at Park View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of ones choice. Condolences can be posted at demarcostonefuneralhome.com.