David M. Houghtalin

CHICOPEE – David M. Houghtalin, 54, died November 3, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center. Born in Harmon, WV to Thomas Houghtalin and the late Charlotte (Schirmann) Houghtalin, he lived in New Jersey for twenty-nine years before moving to Chicopee. He had worked as a heat treat operator for U.S. Tsubaki in Holyoke and was owner of D&J Services, a local landscaping business. Politically affiliated with the Democratic Party, he had worked on several political campaigns. David was very proud of his UTE American Indian heritage. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and pyrotechnics. Besides his mother, he was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas and Timothy Houghtalin and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Josephine (Zamietra) Kleczynski. He leaves his wife, Joanne (Kleczynski) Houghtalin; his father, Thomas Houghtalin of NJ; a brother, Lawrence Houghtalin and his wife, Chu Nim, of PA; five sisters: Tara Gennaro and her husband, Jay, of NJ, Veronica Houghtalin of NJ, Randi Joy Skulkitis and her husband, Ronald, of MA, Charlene Houghtalin of NY and Julia Houghtalin of MA; a brother-in-law, Joseph Kleczynski and his wife, Sandra, of NJ; four sisters-in-law: Helen Gonsiewski and her husband, Richard, Christine Ross and her husband, Albert, Margaret Mondanaro and Doreen, all of NJ and also many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC, 25 Mill St., Springfield. A memorial mass will be held Friday, November 13, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 56 St. Anthony St., Chicopee. Memorial contributions in David’s honor may be made to one’s favorite charity. To express online condolences, please visit www.nefcc.net