John was a terrific person and wonderful friend.  He is greatly missed.

We want to express our deepest sympathy to the Housman family.  Christine and I both started our careers with HRP and learned so much about being a good consultant and generally about life from Mark, John and Joe. Coming out of college we had a lot to learn. We got to know John through the various company outings and golf. John loved golf. I recall several fun weekends on the Cape. I remember John being an innovator and particularly remember the bike-work desk. Brilliant.  We hope the Housman family has comfort knowing John was well respected by this employees and the environmental community but also, was fondly looked at as a fatherly figure by young employees he hired. He will be certainly missed.

John Housman and I are cousins. 
My mother Mary and John’s mother “Chippy” were sisters.
We were both born in 1946 at the beginning of the post war Baby Boom.
It was a simpler time.
When we were kids John was known to me as “Butchie”.  As a teenager he became “Butch”.
We lived in different towns.
In the 1950’s, on the hottest summer days my mother would pack kids into the Chevrolet and leave the house that my father had built in Braintree.
We would drive to Weymouth to pick up Butchie and his sister Mary Lou at the house his father built. 
Then, we would drive through East Weymouth and the woods of Hingham and arrive at Sandy Beach in the tony town of Cohasset.
Butchie and I would foot race each other on that small beach to see who was fastest. We would run up the granite headlands that bracketed both ends of Sandy Beach. And we would explore the marine life in the tide pools at the edge of the waters.
We would swim in the frigid salt water of Boston’s South Shore until we were covered in goosebumps and our lips were blue. 
Freezing and exhausted our mothers would hold towels around us while we changed on the beach into warmer clothes.
On the way home my mother would stop so the boys could pee in the woods. Didn’t think about the girls at all.
Back in East Weymouth we would stop for ice cream next to the Herring Run that for centuries alewives had used to get from Whitman’s pond to the sea. With ice cream in hand we would try to count those little fish.
My cousin Butchie became a man. 
John Housman married extremely well, 54 years with Judy. He had children and grandchildren.  He was a pioneer in environmental engineering, a profession that didn’t exist in the 1950’s. 
There is much love to remember.
Kevin Shea

I haven't seen John since I retired and moved to North Carolina in 2012. I started working for John and his partners Joe Rinaldi and Mark Possidento circa 1983. I loved every minute of the nearly 30 years I spent there.
John definitely had a work hard play hard, enjoy life attitude. That attitude extended to all of HRP's  employees.
It's a tribute to those characteristics that the company he founded has touched so many lives and is still growing and  going strong today. He will be missed.
Hit 'em straight Johnny!

I haven’t seen much of John over the last twenty years for normal retirement reasons, but had lunch with him just before Christmas this year.   He looked great.  So, it was a shock to hear he was gone.  As my original partner, losing John is like losing a close  relative.   
When we decided to start HRP in 1982 with no money and a few clients we stole from our former companies we rented a two-room office above the garage on Cedar St in New Britain.  When clients asked to come to the office, we would make up some a story and asked if we could we meet at the commuter parking lot on Rt 84!
Memories of that office were mostly hard work.  When we had to make copies of anything we would go to the library with a “shitload of dimes”.  For our first business Christmas Joe thought it was a good idea to buy bottles of liquor as gifts for our clients which Joe would deliver.  Joes’ mistake, however, was leaving the booze in the office   After a week of Joe delivering the gifts, John and I became jealous and started tapping the cache.  I have fond memories of that Christmas.  In future years Joe smartened up and left the booze in his car.
I think it was in the late 80’s when John, Joe and I went to Dennis Unites’ cottage on Block island to fish.   Johnny and I were both ready to party.  After three bars we ended at the Block Island hotel.  At some point we lost Johnny.  We searched the  bathrooms and outside of the hotel.  We finally found him the kitchen, crouched in a corner, with a smile on his face.   It appeared he took a wrong turn at the Men’s Room sign.
I will miss you, John.  When I pass, I will look for you in the kitchen.

So sorry to hear of your loss.  I know this is such a difficult thing to face this loss and words are so inadequate.   I am sending a warm embrace and all my love.

I remember so many good times with John - especially during the early days of HRP. We worked hard and played hard and had a lot of fun along the way.  It's not many places you can work and find so many nice people who become your friends and remain friends, even 40 years later - but John and HRP embodied that culture. Although over the years we moved out of CT and everyone gets busy with their new life, it was always a pleasure to be back in CT and occasionally meet up with John. At those times it seemed like time had stood still and we were back in the 1980's. He will be missed by all of his friends and family, and it is indeed sad to see his life cut so short. Safe travels my friend and see you down the road. 
Walt

John hired me in 1992.  Over the next decade plus HRP provided me infinite opportunities for professional development and friendship.  John’s office door was always open, he was generous with both humor and technical direction.  My sincere condolences to his family and close friends.

Judy I do not know what to say John was a real good guy  What he did for his mother and Mary is what he is I am so sorry for your loss  
 as well  Love John and Josie Shea

I would like to express my deepest condolences to Mr. Housman's friends and family.  As the fourth generation CEO of the company he built with his own hands I am reminded every day of the incredible strength of character and dedication to the work he imbued into the company that bears his name.  His legacy and spirit live on at HRP today in most everything we do in a profound and timeless way: Work Hard Play Hard.  Personally, I will never forget when he, along with Howard Hurd and Bob Leach, interviewed me for an entry level position.  He gave me the appropriate stern eye, which was an exceptional talent of his, with a thorough once over and we finished with a beer.  Completely on brand.  He was both an incredible leader and the most decent of men.  He will be missed.

I remember meeting Mr. Housman in my early twenties when I was invited to spend the weekend up in Southington with Daria.  Mr. Housman didn't say much but I could tell he was kind by his eyes and his smile. He was always welcoming and gracious and it was a privilege to get to know him, even though our interactions were limited. I will miss you, Mr. Housman but your name is etched on a piece of my heart. 

My deepest condolences to the Housman family, you are all in my thoughts during this extremely emotional time. 

Hugs,
Marije

John (and Judi) were our neighbors and close friends on Barbara Drive in East Hartford Connecticut from 1976 till 1984.  It was a very special unique time for us of first houses, jobs, and babies.  Having such close friends to experience all the “firsts” of adult life together was a special gift that has never been forgotten.  Since that time we obviously kept in touch with visits (Camp Overflow!) and weddings.  However there is something special and sweet about having a couple that we were able to experience the ups and downs of early adult life with.  Rest easy John.  You were a good friend and we will join you someday.  Love Chris and Bruce Sutphin

OBITUARY

John James Housman Jr.

10 May, 1946 – 4 January, 2025

Della Vecchia Funeral Home

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