Patrick R. Hourihan, formerly of West Milford, N.J., and Guilderland, N.Y., died Friday, May 12, 2023, at his home in Stephentown, N.Y., after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 63.
He was born in Elizabeth, N.J., on Aug. 15, 1959, to Robert E. and Joan Nevins Hourihan of West Milford. Pat had an idealistic childhood growing up on Pinecliff Lake, where he made many lifelong friendships.
Pat was a graduate of West Milford High School and the University of Delaware, where he majored in economics.
He was employed by State Farm Insurance Co. as a claims team manager in the metro New York area before moving upstate to the Albany area office in Ballston Spa in 1988. He retired in 2012 after 31 years of service.
Pat raised his family in Guilderland and coached his sons in the Pine Bush Little League and served on the league’s board of directors. He also was a board member for the Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Pat was very active and enjoyed skiing, racquetball, hiking and played in golf leagues at the Western Turnpike Country Club in Guilderland and the Ballston Spa County Club.
After his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, Pat took up boxing when other sports became too difficult. He helped assist special-needs children learn the sport with a Parkinson’s class and also challenged himself to participate another day of the week. His smile and positive attitude were how you knew him best.
He was the loving husband of 29 years of Carolyn J. Edwards Hourihan; the devoted father of Ryan Patrick Hourihan of Guilderland, Sean Michael Hourihan of Philadelphia and Megan Elizabeth Hourihan of Guilderland; the dear brother of Ann Marie (Dan) D’Elena of West Milford and Susan (Steve) Winfield of Wantaugh, N.J.; the son-in-law of the late Janet and Wesley Edwards of Stephentown; and the brother-in-law of Greg (Doreen) Edwards and Dwight (Anne) Edwards. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends may call at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 Route 43, Stephentown, N.Y., on Friday, May 19 from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by the funeral at 6 p.m. with the Rev. Trygve Tomlinson officiating.
In lieu of customary flowers, the family strongly suggests contributions to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st St., Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or Parkinson.org or the Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or give.michaeljfox.org.
Condolence book and directions may be found at ParkerBrosMemorial.com