Douglas E. Houghton
Remsen- Douglas E. Houghton, 83, passed away at Rome Health on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
He was the only child of the late Eugene (Glen) and Mena Davies Houghton, born August 2, 1942 in Utica, NY. Doug grew up in the Forestport/Remsen area where he graduated with the class of 1960 at Remsen High School. From high school he furthered his education at Utica College, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Master’s degree from Syracuse University. Doug began teaching English at the Forestport Central School, before moving to Boonville High School, and later to Liberty Central School in Liberty, NY where he retired from in 1997. After retirement he moved back to his Remsen homestead and began teaching college English at Herkimer College, MVCC (both Rome and Utica), and Utica College. Retiring again, with 53 years of teaching, Doug had fond memories of many former students approaching and thanking him for his insistence that they read and understand the use of the English language. During his teaching career he also spent time directing high school plays and coaching sports, with the favorite being soccer.
Doug also enjoyed hunting and occasional fishing. He belonged to many organizations over the years, including the Liberty Fire Department, White Lake Rod and Gun Club, Trenton Rifle/Pistol Range, the Beagle Club, and the Boonville Elks Lodge #2158 where he held an officer's position. Doug also shared his life with many "you the boss, Master" pet dogs. A very caring man to the canine family with tremendous feedback from them all.
Doug was a history buff and one summer spent six weeks travelling the southern states visiting Civil War battlegrounds, famous landmarks and found local people who would share the past stories with him of the area.
One other favorite activity was his love of music and dancing. Doug had a masterful singing voice and for many years volunteered every Monday morning, playing his guitar and singing classic country ballads to the residents of Sunset Nursing Home. He also belonged to the Mohawk Valley Bluegrass Association and at one time was part of a threesome musical group known as the "Hobos", entertaining various groups and gatherings. The weekend dances were a must to attend where you could see Doug and Nora waltzing away to their enjoyment and their dancing friends became a family of its own. Many happy years meeting new people and occasionally being asked to step up to the mic and sing.
Doug is survived by his loving companion, dancing partner, and caregiver of nearly 28 years, Nora Dutch of West Leyden; three sons, Douglas Houghton Jr. of Miami, FL, James Houghton (Tanya) of Granite Falls, NC, and Trevor Houghton (Caroline Hylton), of Glendale, CA; two daughters, Christine Andrews (Michael Lee) of Remsen, and Elizabeth Finlay of Clinton. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and Nora's son, Stacy Dutch (Dawn) of Brasher Falls, NY.
The funeral is arranged to be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Mills Funeral Home, 301 Post St., Boonville. Calling hours will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. before the funeral service at the funeral home on Thursday. The burial will follow the service in Beechwood Cemetery, Foresport. A luncheon will be held at the Boonville Elks Lodge, 13054 State Route 12, Boonville, following the burial, all are welcome. Any food donations may be dropped off to the Elks Lodge beginning at 1:00 p.m on Thursday. Memorial contributions in Doug’s name may be made to the West Leyden Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 205, West Leyden, N.Y. 13489.
Messages of sympathy may be made to Doug’s family online at www.millsfuneralhomes.com.