Joe Hourigan

Joe Hourigan Oct. 23, 1950 – Nov. 9, 2009 Joseph Francis Hourigan, age 59, passed away Nov. 9, 2009 in Mountain View, CA. Joe was born in Bronx, New York City in 1950, the son of Irene Moran Hourigan and John Hourigan. He attended Xavier High School and graduated from Manhattan College in New York with a degree in mechanical engineering. A Certified Safety Professional and long time member of the American Society of Safety Engineers, Joe was a distinguished Past President of the Greater San Jose Chapter and award-winning newsletter editor. Larger than life in presence and in spirit, Joe was known by many and forgotten by none. A self-appointed ambassador of Irish Culture, his Irish wit was exceeded only by his Irish ballads. His annual St. Patrick's Day parties were not to be missed. Fascinated by aviation, Joe earned his private pilot's license, purchased a 1947 Stinson Voyager and flew his single-engine plane across country. As an avid historian Joe was an acknowledged expert on the 69th Infantry from New York City, the famous "Fighting Irish." Joe was the Webmaster for their site and often lectured on their exploits. In 1986 Joe married Barbara, the love of his life, and settled in Mountain View. He was a wonderful friend and father-figure to Barbara's four children and his ultimate achievement was the role of grandfather. In recent years he relished family reunions in Chicago, New Orleans and Oklahoma and extended family vacations to France, Germany and Ireland. Joe and Barbara enjoyed community activities and theater. After years of supporting local Kiwanis events they joined the Kiwanis Club of DeAnza Cupertino, participating in many community service activities including support of Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence in San Jose, as well as many programs for seniors and children. Joe is survived by Barbara, his bride of 23 years; his brother Jack Hourigan from Tampa, Florida and nephews John and Chris Hourigan; his sister Grace Lattanzio (and Jerry) from Croton-on-Hudson, New York and niece Patricia Lattanzio; his four step-children: Daniel Held from Redwood City, Teresa (and Barry) Lucas and granddaughter Tara from San Jose, Thomas Held from San Jose and Patricia Held from Mountain View; and dozens of cousins who will miss his wit, his song and his love. He will be dearly missed by his many friends, schoolmates and high school football teammates, but especially by his 45-year "brothers" Manny Hernandez and Greg Landers. "They call us Sons of Xavier, so we must be brothers." A Memorial service will be held Saturday November 14, 2009 at 3PM at Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary, 96 W El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Joseph Hourigan, '68 to Xavier High School, 30 W 16th Street, New York, NY 10011-6302. Please sign the guestbook at cusimanocolonial.com