Lewis House

Lewis House, 86, of Woodbridge, Connecticut passed away at 12:33 am on January 2, 2026, at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was surrounded in his final hours by his entire 14-member clan, including his wife, three children, and seven grandchildren.

Lewis was a doting husband, devoted father, playful grandfather, favorite professor, and loyal friend who will be remembered for his insightful knowledge of past and current events, his endless positivity, his corny jokes, his sweet tooth (especially for Cracker Jacks and Nutella), and his love of his family.

Lewis was born in Brooklyn in 1939 to Martin and Jeanette (Jennie) House, née Swedlow. Martin was a decorator and Jennie was a homemaker, and they ran a strict household. Brother Bob was born seven years later, and the family moved to Queens in 1950, where they were surrounded by aunts and uncles and cousins in the neighborhood, many of whom joined them for summer vacations at Kiamesha Lake near Monticello, New York. Lew excelled in school and at protecting his brother.

Lewis met Susan Eldred in 1961 in a class at Adelphi University, and introduced himself by asking if her high school ring was from Andrew Jackson High School, where he was also an alum. After graduation in 1962, Lew went on to New York University for a Ph.D. in Latin American History and then in 1965, he was drafted into the Army. On the advice of a professor, he deferred the draft and instead joined up voluntarily as an officer, a longer but safer commission during the Vietnam War. Then, because of his happy demeanor, agnostic views, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, he was named as Chaplain at a General Hospital stateside, avoiding a second tour of duty overseas.

He gave himself the nickname "Lucky Lew" because he survived the War, because he was able to turn his military experience into a life-long consulting side hustle, and because Sue said yes to marrying him in 1967. But in fact, it was his determination and hard work that got him every win in life. He paid for his own education, and worked hard to build the successful career he enjoyed. And he passed on the same drive to his children, all three of whom earned advanced degrees and career success.

Lew was a popular member of the Southern Connecticut State University history department for more than 40 years. The faculty appreciated his teamwork (always willing to take on 8 am classes, for example, and chair of the department for more than 15 years). Students enjoyed his relaxed approach to history, to teaching, and to scheduling a make-up exam or offering extra help during office hours. They also loved his stories about his jobs as a traveling elevator operator, a shoe salesman, and a pickle-packer as a young man in New York City. During his working years, his family was accustomed to walking into a store or restaurant anywhere in greater New Haven and immediately having a student or former student come over to say hi to Dr. House.

Lew had a special relationship with each grandchild-and a special way of spoiling each of them. He and Sue took the whole family to Disneyworld numerous times, despite not liking roller coasters (and riding only It's a Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean). He would cook grilled cheese sandwiches in the middle of the night during sleepovers, and though he jokingly claimed not to be, he was happy to share his M&Ms and Frosted Flakes. He clipped articles about subjects that interested the older grandkids, and always had a "dad joke" at the ready for the younger ones.

Lew is survived by his wife, Susan House, brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Rita House, daughter and son-in-law Deb and Josh Garskof, daughter and son-in-law Sharon and Jeff Roche, and son and daughter-in-law Dave and Dana House-and by seven grandchildren: Jeremy, Justin, Sam, Tyler, Jake, Sophia, and Alex.

A memorial service will be held on January 8, 2026 at 11am at Orange Congregational Church, 205 Meeting House Lane Orange, CT 06477, followed by a celebration of his life. The family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the American Stroke Association.

To light a candle or leave a condolence please visit www.CodyWhiteFuneralService.com