William, affectionately known as Bill, was born in Newton, NJ on June 15, 1939. Bill graduated from George School in Newtown, PA, in 1957 and went on to become an alumnus of the Syracuse University School of Architecture class of 1964. An esteemed architect and one of the founding partners of the local architecture firm Houghton-Quarty-Warr in Newton, Bill’s professional legacy is woven into the fabric of our community. His architectural endeavors stand as testaments to his skill and dedication and include notable projects such as Blair Academy, Sussex County Community College, Pope John XXIII Regional High School, The Newton municipal building, Stanhope Library, New Jersey Herald, and countless more local establishments and private residences.
Bill was a kind and generous soul who constantly volunteered to improve his hometown community, such as serving on the Board of Newton Memorial Hospital for over 40 years as both a Director and past president, the Board of Sussex and Merchants National Bank, as well as the President of the Newton Rotary Club where he was a proud member for over 60 years.
Bill was also known for his playful and competitive spirit, which first became apparent as a teen racing his sailboat on Lake Mohawk, then later hitting the ball at the Newton Tennis Club, and finally putting on the greens of the Newton Country Club. He sailed all of his life and won the NJ State Championship many times. Bill also had a passion for downhill skiing, which he shared with family and friends during winter seasons.
Bill’s infectious smile and easy-going personality will be greatly missed by all who admired and loved him. His great loves were his wife, three daughters, his extended family, his abundance of life-long friends, and spending endless hours working outdoors. He particularly relished summer vacations spent on Nantucket Island with family and friends.
Bill leaves fond memories to his beloved wife, Abbie Houghton; his loving daughters Amy Houghton and her husband Juan Carlos Bravo Jara, Rebecca Houghton Lown and her husband Wayne, and Sarah Troy and her husband Joshua; his cherished granddaughters Tess & Lola Lown and Willa & Talia Troy.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St., Newton, NJ 07860.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Newton Medical Center Foundation, 175 High St, Newton, NJ 07860. As we remember Bill, let us also honor him by cherishing our families and holding them close, for they are our greatest treasures.
Fond memories and condolences to the family may be offered below.
