George R. Houston

Portland-George R. Houston, 85, of Cedarhurst Lane, died Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at his home. He was born in Portland on December 29, 1929, a son of George P. and Anne B. (Mulkern) Houston. He attended Cathedral School and graduated from Portland High School, class of 1949. He then graduated from Gray Business School. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was awarded The Korean Service Medal and two bronze service bars. He married Mary J. Palanza on October 15, 1960, at St. Peters Church in Portland. George worked as a mail handler for the U.S. Postal Service in Portland. He took pride in providing for his family and often worked long overtime shifts. He retired after 39 years of service. The focus of his life was home and family. Along with wife Mary, he hosted many family gatherings and shared his love of Portland history and lively conversations on many topics. He was an avid sports fan, especially local teams. He was blessed with a wonderful voice and was once lead male soloist for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Choir. He was a member of Harold T. Andrews American Legion Post #17. George is predeceased by his wife Mary, who died February 12, 2015? infant twin daughters? and three sisters, Patricia Houston, Sister Regina Marie Houston RSM, and Margaret Russell. He is survived by a daughter, Regina M. Houston of Portland? a son, Thomas A. Houston of Portland? two sisters, Mary Bennett of Portland and Elizabeth Betty Ryan and husband Paul of Walpole, Massachusetts? and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 am, Tuesday, at St. Josephs Church, 673 Stevens Avenue, Portland. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. Arrangements are by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Georges memorial page may be viewed at www.ctcrawford.com. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 10310, Portland, ME 04101.