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Michael John "Mike" Houlihan
Michael John "Mike" Houlihan
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Michael Houlihan Obituary
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April 22, 1946 – September 12, 2025
Michael John Houlihan, of Collingdale, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2025. He was a beloved Pop-pop, a devoted father, a loving husband, a cherished brother, and a loyal friend to so many. His kind heart, quiet strength, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Born on April 22, 1946, at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, Mike was raised in Ridley Park, PA, where he graduated from Ridley Park High School. Shortly after, he answered the call to serve his country and was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. While serving, he worked aboard a tugboat, guiding barges along the Mekong River - a job that demanded courage, resilience, and an unwavering sense of duty.
Upon returning home, Mike married the love of his life, Virginia (Watson) Houlihan. Together, they built a life rooted in love and commitment, sharing 56 beautiful years of marriage.
Mike was a man of simple joys - he found happiness in watching Phillies games, NASCAR races, and spending time fishing. As a dedicated board member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 67, he tirelessly gave his time and energy to support homeless and incarcerated veterans. His work was not only a way to give back - it was a reflection of his belief in the power of community.
Whether he was coaching softball for the Borough of Collingdale, volunteering through the VVA., or lending a hand to a neighbor, Mike never hesitated to help those around him.
Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia, who he now joins in eternal rest. He is survived by his loving daughters, Christine (Richard) Selover and Shana (Martin) Janicki, and his adoring grandchildren, Chloe, Charlotte, Abby, and Charlie - who were the light of his life and the joy of his later years.
A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 500 Woodlawn Avenue, Collingdale, PA 19023, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Vietnam Veterans of America – chapter 67. Checks must be made out to Vietnam Veterans of America-Chapter 67 and mailed to:
Vietnam Veterans of America
Chapter 67
PO Box 1220
Media, PA 19063
Mike's life was a testament to love, service, and quiet strength - and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
William Glendon Loy
September 20, 2025
Mike will be missed by many, especially his family and VVA friends. I had the pleasure of working with Mike in the VVA and attending many outside functions with him. My best memories are our trips to the Poconos, his cabin and going to the NASCAR race there. Rest In Peace Mike....your watch is over.
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Jeffrey Dorfman
September 16, 2025
Mike was a leader of men. He lead my Vietnam Veterans of America chapter with great dedication and conviction helping many veterans dealing with challenges arising from serving our country.
I will miss him for his friendship and guidance. My prayers go out to his family and fiends.
As a chaplain of our chapter, I would like to post this touching prayer entitled "Prayer from heaven".
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
There's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy, just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me, and said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again. You were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here, later on.
I need you here so badly. You're part of my master plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, he wished for me to do.
First and foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years,
because you're only human, they're bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry. It helps relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you, all that God has thought and planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er,
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb.
But together we can do it, by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy. I'd like it for you too.
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody, who's in sorrow and in pain,
then you can say to God at night, "My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented, that my life has been worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody, who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick them up, and on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind,
I'm walking in your footsteps, only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go, from that body to be free,
remember you're not going, you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
DT
September 16, 2025
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of God, family and friends. Please find comfort in the words found at Isaiah 61:1,2.
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