Michael Armand Houston

Husband, father, grandfather, friend, avid fisherman
Mike Houston, of Chelmsford, formerly of Lowell, left us on January 29,2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late Rita (Philibert) Houston who succumbed to injuries as the result of a car accident when Mike was eight months old. At age four, Mike entered the Franco-American Orphanage in Lowell where he resided with the Sisters of Charity of Quebec until his graduation in 1967. After graduating, he lived with his grandmother Laura (Drouin) Philibert on Middlesex St. in Lowell.
Along with his grandmother, Mike's family consisted of his "Washington Park" friends. He held each one of them dear to his heart throughout his life. He was especially close to his lifelong friend James Lessard and his wife Debbie (Callery) Lessard.
Mike attended Lowell schools, as well as the University of Lowell. Over the years he enjoyed wood working projects, upholstery and refinishing many family heirlooms.
Mike married Marilyn (Chase) Houston of Lowell on October 24, 1981. They resided in Chelmsford where they raised their two children Kenneth George Houston and Laura (Houston) Napiorkowski. Mike loved to fish and he spent many hours individually with both his children teaching them how to fish. He joined his son, Kenny at Master An's Taekwondo Academy in Lowell where they each received their black belts standing side-by-side. Mike also enjoyed his years of playing softball for Brodeur Electric, coaching Little League, darts and recently rejoined his bowling league where he looked forward to going every Friday night.
Mike enjoyed many vacations with his family as well as his endeared mother-in-law Grace (Sawyer) Chase. These vacations included spending each summer at Hampton Beach, NH as well as camping trips to Minuteman KOA in Littleton, MA. Additional "family members" on these vacations most often included Joey Davison and Jerelyn (Rondeau) Serra.
Mike and Marilyn shared many anniversary trips traveling throughout New England and Canada as well as Alaska and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Some of their fondest memories come from these yearly vacations.
Mike spent the first twenty-five years of his working career with Wang Laboratories in Lowell, then continued with Digital Equipment Corporation in Maynard. He completed his career working for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under the Tewksbury Housing Authority. He was the beloved maintenance man at Delaney Drive for sixteen years, until his retirement in 2020. He spent these last working years forming close bonds and friendships with co -workers, tenants and had a special friendship with Melissa Maniscalco, Executive Director. Mike took pride in "his development" and always went above and beyond what was expected of him.
Mike was the past president of the Lowell Landlord Association, and worked on the redevelopment committee to restore the Grotto at the Franco-American School property.
When Mike retired, he was always willing to lend a neighborly hand. He had conversations with everyone walking by while weeding his garden or walking his beloved Golden Retriever, May. He established close bonds with many neighbors. Mike and Marilyn constructed a Little Free Library in the front of their house and enjoyed seeing the kids come to get books and Tootsie Roll Pops. Marilyn supplied the books, but Mike became the favorite by supplying the Pops! His esteemed neighbors and friends of thirty-seven years, Bob and Cathy Rondeau labeled him "The King of Biscayne."
Mike loved Christmas. He was legendary at finding the biggest tree every year that would just about fit in the living room. The most joyous Christmases for Mike were the ones spent with his cherished grandchildren in his yearly "Santa Parade."
Mike leaves behind a litany of people who love him, his friends and Marilyn's friends, as well as neighbors and family. He leaves behind his friend and fishing partner, Hank Szupel; his first fishing partner and friend, Al Gregoire and his wife Maree; as well as his recently-departed boating buddy and friend, Tom Gallagher and his wife Rita; also, his close friend, John Osterman and his wife Carol.
In addition to the love of his life, Marilyn, Mike is survived by his devoted son, Kenneth Houston and his wife, Heidi (Hillman) and their children, Ariana Ness and Nora Grace Houston of Nashua, NH; his daughter, Laura (Houston) Napiorkowski of Chelmsford and her sons, Sam and Jack Napiorkowski of Chelmsford. Mike's greatest joy has been the time he has spent with his cherished grandchildren.
Mike is predeceased by his sister, Laura Johnson, grandfather Adolph Philibert; grandmother Laura Philibert; father-in-law George C. Chase; and mother-in-law Grace (Sawyer) Chase.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 1 pm – 4 pm at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. His funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Monday at 12 noon. Interment to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Tewksbury. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions in memory of Michael may be made to Hematology & Oncology at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center by check made payable to "Lahey Hospital & Medical Center" with "Michael A. Houston/Hematology & Oncology" in the memo line. Contributions can be mailed to: Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, 529 Main Street, 4th Floor, Charlestown, MA 02129. You may also donate online at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center.