Jerry Allan Houghton passed away on December 31, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer and Inclusion Body Myositis. He was 83.
Jerry was born on September 23, 1942, in Greenfield, MA, the son of the late Raymond and Phyllis Houghton. He was a graduate of Pittsfield High School in Pittsfield, MA, earned his bachelor’s degree from Bryant University in Rhode Island, and later received a master’s degree from Suffolk University. Jerry was raised in Greenfield and lived in Billerica, MA for 42 years before moving to Hudson, NH 12 years ago.
Jerry began his professional career as a business teacher at Pittsfield High School. He soon transitioned into school administration, serving as a School Business Manager in Middleboro, MA, and later as Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Business in Wilmington and Arlington, MA. Jerry spent the final 20 years of his distinguished career in his hometown of Billerica, where he served as Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Business until his retirement in 2003. Following retirement, Jerry continued working for several years as an accountant with the Internal Revenue Service.
In addition to his professional life, Jerry was deeply committed to service and community. He was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus Council #3963 in Billerica for 45 years. He also proudly served in the U.S. Army National Guard for seven years, completing all requirements for the rank of First Lieutenant and undergoing armor tank training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Jerry found his greatest joy in time spent with family, whether welcoming them into his home or visiting theirs. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed history books and films. He firmly believed in the benefits of regular exercise for longevity — a philosophy he lived by.
During his illness, Jerry was surrounded by people who were family or became family along the way. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the medical staff at Massachusetts General Hospital and the many other medical staff that gave him compassionate support along the way. Jerry’s wife, Sue, provided unwavering encouragement, care, and devotion. A retired nurse, his wife lovingly supported him with both professional expertise and devotion, always attentive to his care and comfort.
Jerry is lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Suzanne (Delorey) Houghton; his sons, Jerry Jr. and his wife Lily of Townsend, MA, and John and his wife Michelle of Plymouth, MA; and his daughters, Jennifer Reardon and her husband Al of Derry, NH, Elizabeth Clemente and her husband Dave of Wilmington, MA, and Carolyn Vecchione and her husband Jamie of Billerica, MA. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Samantha Charette and her husband Alex and their children Charli and Rome, Laura Capone and her fiancé Daniel and their daughter Amari, Emily Clemente and her partner Gab, Sadye Gerard and her fiancé Kim, David, Katy, Jacob, Cecelia, Joey, and Alyssa. He is also survived by his brother, Scott Houghton, and his sister Theresa Houghton; and was predeceased by his brother, Raymond Houghton. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Benny.
Jerry will be remembered for his dedication to family, service, education, and community, and for the quiet strength and kindness he shared with all who knew him. He will be missed dearly by his family.
A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, January 7 at St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish at St. Theresa Church, 466 Boston Rd., Billerica at 10 a.m. His burial with Military Honors will take place at the Fox Hill Cemetery in Billerica. Memorial contributions may be made in Jerry’s memory to the Muscular Dystrophy Association: https://mda.donordrive.com/campaign/In-loving-memory-of-Jerry-A--Houghton.
Previous Events
Funeral Mass
7
Jan
466 Boston Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
Burial
7
Jan
130 Andover Rd.
Billerica, MA 01821
