Robert L. Houghtaling, Sr.

Robert L. Houghtaling Sr.

1931-2022

Robert L. Houghtaling Sr., better known as Bob, passed away peacefully at his home in Lowell on April 27, 2022, after living ninety adventurous and legendary years. 

Bob was a gifted storyteller, who enjoyed cooking, crocheting, creating laughs, and was fond of all things sweet. Bob was an avid sports fan, enjoying the Washington Redskins, New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, and could be found watching college football every Saturday. Most specifically, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Navy Midshipmen, and Michigan State University Spartans. Most enjoyable to Bob was driving Aline, his wife of 41 years, insane at every opportunity he had. He was an adventurous and brave soul, jubilant, and had a wit dryer than a desert. Bob disliked authority, being told what to do and how to do it, making a fuss over trivial things, being the center of attention, and the New York Yankees. He truly understood what was most important in life. Bob will be remembered for his sense of humor, stylish hats, kind and giving nature, being the fun uncle, and his oversized and devilish grin. 

Bob was the son of Gerald and Naomi Houghtaling, born in Muncie, Indiana on June 11, 1931, and raised in Michigan. Being the adventurous soul, and with some oversight on his dislike of authority, he joined the Navy in 1949, becoming a hospital corpsman. He was attached to a Marine Corps infantry battalion, where he had many adventures that entertained others hearing the stories years later. Despite these adventures, he was honorably discharged in 1953. He then began a long and successful career in foodservice. Which brought him to Massachusetts in 1978, and he retired in 1995. Bob chose his retirement to be one of perfecting his green thumb, renovating his home, crocheting, drinking coffee with his neighbors, eating even more sweets, and cooking some more. 

Bob is survived by his wife Aline, daughter Cindy (Don) Peto of Perry, MI, son Scott of Lowell, sister-in-law Nancy of Holt, MI, and sister Pat (Ben) Hidalgo of Escondido, CA. He was predeceased by his parents, son Robert Jr., sisters Ellen and Janet, and brothers Henry and William. Bob is also survived by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and countless friends who loved him. 

Bob’s family wishes to thank the staff at Summit Elder Care of Lowell, who provided Bob with amazing care that allowed him to remain at home with his family for his final years. Bob was blessed to have made a great friend in Edward Ciampa there. He received a wonderful team of home health aides: Doris, Sam, Marina, Anne, Anna, Mimi, and Scarlet; who became family. 

Since Bob disliked being the center of attention, and any fuss being made of what he considered trivial things, his wishes were that there be no calling hours, funeral, or burial. The family of Bob is thankful for Tyngsboro Funeral Home and the wonderful service they have provided. Please join his family for a celebration of Bob’s life from 2 pm to 6 pm, on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Lenzi’s of Dracut. Most importantly, wear a hat, just not a Yankees’ one. 

For online condolences, please visit www.tyngsboroughfuneralhome.com. 

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