Michael J. Hourigan

Michael J. Hourigan, Sr., 84, of Howland, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2008. He was born in Norwich, Connecticut on June 29, 1924 the son of the late James and Mary (Moriarty) Hourigan. He was a graduate of the Norwich Free Academy in the class of 1942, and the University of Connecticut in the class of 1948. Mike was a World War II Veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service from 1943-1946. In 1946, he married Lucille Barry. He is survived by his wife, Lucille, and three children, Mary Lu Perchak (George), West Milford, NJ, Michael J. Hourigan, Jr. (Debbie), Huntersville, NC, and Patrick Hourigan, (Fanny), Highland Beach, FL. He also leaves seven grandchildren: Aimee Perchak Feehan (Dr. Brian) and Emmie Perchak, Mary Caitlin Hourigan and Michael J. Hourigan III, Ayla Hourigan, Shannon Hourigan, and Kai Hourigan.

Before coming to the Warren Area, Mr. Hourigan was a manager for Sears Stores in Riverhead, NY, Manchester, NH, Norwich, CT with two satellite stores in Danielson and Putnam, Connecticut. Mike has resided in Howland for 34 years, coming to this area in 1974 to manage the Sears Eastwood Mall Store. While living here, Mike was active in many organizations and served the community well. He served on the administrative boards of several organizations including: United Way, Scope, Mobile Meals, the Western Reserve Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Local Red Cross Chapter, where he served as Chapter Chairman in 1985. For twenty years Michael volunteered with Scope to assist people with their income taxes. He was a past president of the Buckeye Club. He was an avid fan of Howland High School Cross Country and Track, cheering the teams on to victory for 30 years. He was affectionately known to many young people as "Grandpa Mike."

In recognition of his community service, Mike Hourigan was the recipient of numerous awards from the Boy Scouts of America, including the Silver Beaver and Bronze Big Horn awards. In addition, he was the New Hampshire Minority Employer of the Year.

Friends may call at the McFarland & Son Funeral Home on Thursday, October 16 from 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. and from 9:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. on Friday morning. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 3020 Reeves Road N.E., Warren, Ohio 44483. Burial will take place in Norwich, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Activity Fund, Howland High School Cross Country and Track. Details can be found at www.mjhourigan.com .

Arrangements are entrusted to McCardell-White-McFarland Funeral Services, 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this obituary and send condolences.