Donald R. Houghton

July 7, 1937 - January 14, 2022

Donald R. Houghton of Mayfield, NY passed away in his sleep on Friday January 14, 2022, after a long battle with Dementia. Donald was born on July 7, 1937 in Amsterdam, NY to Earl B. Houghton and Hazel C. Houghton. Donald moved to Gloversville in 1943, and lived there throughout his childhood and school years. Donald grew up very poor and worked hard to help his family make ends meet. He had various paper routes as a young boy until he was hired by Skiff’s Dairy to peddle milk. Anyone close to Don, knew how proud he was of that job and how much the Skiff family did for him when he was a young boy. Donald graduated from Gloversville High School in 1955. He played both basketball and football at the varsity level and still talked about how he played offense and defense and the various feats of many of his teammates. Shortly after graduation, Don was hired by City National Bank, where he worked for the next 45 years. He began his banking career as an auditor, then a cashier, and worked his way up to Vice President and Mortgage Loan Officer for 18 years. In 1990, he became the Vice President and Manager of the Northville branch of City National Bank until his retirement in June 2001. He took great pride in helping people and treating people with respect. During the last few months of Don’s life, he loved to go for rides in the car, and would frequently point out a house and tell how he helped the family get the mortgage for their home. Don left behind many friends and loyal customers when he retired. Don also served in the New York Army National Guard for 3 years and was on active duty in the United States Air Force during 1961 and 1962. He was a part time deputy with Fulton County Sheriff’s Department for several years, working at the bank during the day and the Sheriff’s Department nights and weekends. On November 26, 1960, Donald married Elaine Sutton of Johnstown, and together they raised four children. Don was a dedicated father and spent many hours supporting his children’s hobbies and interests. Don was involved with the Gloversville Little League Baseball Program for several years, both as a coach and an officer. Don also served as a coach and an officer for the Gloversville Pop Warner Football League. In 1983 and 1984 he was President of the Gloversville High School Football Alumni Club, and was part of the “chain gang” on the field. He served on the Board of Directors and was the Treasurer for the Gloversville YMCA as well. All four children spent many hours at the YMCA with Don, learning how to swim and playing in the gym. Don was a hardworking provider for his family and gave his children a beautiful home and wonderful memories. On August 23, 1996, Donald married Margaret (King) Hallenbeck of Mayfield, NY. Don and Margaret spent many years traveling between New York and Florida before buying a home there and becoming “snowbirds.” They enjoyed many years in the sun, developing friendships with people from all over the United States and Canada, before moving home permanently in 2020 when Don’s health declined. Don was able to remain at home with Margaret’s loving care until January 2, 2022. Donald is survived by his wife Margaret, son James Houghton of Webster, NY, daughters: Jacqueline (Daryl) Jones of Florida, Amy Houghton (Mark Mereness) of Guilderland, NY, Julie Houghton (Tom Gable) of Broadalbin, NY, stepsons: Keith Hallenbeck of Broadalbin, NY and Jason Hallenbeck of Mayfield. NY, six grandchildren: Zachary and Spencer Jones, Dustin Houghton and Brittany Laclair, Mallory Houghton and Ryan Houghton, and brother-in-law Rand Warner of Fairport, NY. Don was predeceased by his parents, brothers Arthur and David, and sister, Marjorie Warner. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Northville Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.northvillefuneralservice.com. If you wish to make a donation, please consider Parkhurst Field Foundation, P.O. Box 706, Gloversville, NY 12078. Calling hours will 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Wednesday January 19,2022, with internment in the Spring.