William Houman

William Houman, 96, August 23, 1925 – June 17, 2022

Bill was born in Forest City, Pennsylvania to Jake and Adeline Houman.  He was raised with 11 brothers and sisters. Bill was survived by two sisters, Elsie Guswick and Cindy Degma. Bill is also survived by his three children: Margaret Vavra (Frederick), Linda Sokolowski (William), Robert Houman (Kathryn).  His grandchildren:  Michelle Vavra-Parker (Ned Kelly), Todd Sokolowski, Christopher Vavra, Scott Sokolowski (Michelle), Nicholaus Sokolowski (Sokkhea), Sarah Houman Hache (Joseph), Megan Houman Gillespie (Samuel) and his great grandchildren:  Kaitlin Parker Yezek (Anthony), Evan Sokolowski, Taylor Sokolowski, Jordan Hache, Savannah Hache, Tyson Hache, Colton Sokolowski, Allie Sokolowski, Brielle Sokolowski, Pearl Sokolowski, Jack Gillespie. 

He unlisted in the Navy and switched to the U.S. Coast Guard. He was a chef in the Coast Guard for 27 years.  Bill was station at Connecticut, Puerto Rico and New York.  During Vietnam War his boat was being retrofitted to go to Vietnam and some sailors tried to sink it in drydock while drunk and he ended up saving several sailors lives. He would later retire and move to Oldsmar, Florida. He worked for City of Dunedin briefly in Public works and took a job which would be a long career at City of Oldsmar.  He was in Public Works and City Manager. He worked along side the Police and Fire Department and help coordinate the evacuations of Oldsmar in many storms. Bill enjoyed playing golf and watching Baseball and playing it as well. He loved watching his morning and evening news and no one was allowed to talk during those times.  He loved reading the newspaper and good Cuban cigar.  He loved spending time with grandkids and great grandkids.  He recently loss his wife, Irene Houman and stay close to his family during the last several years. He was fiercely independent and still drove up until his last days.  He taught us perseverance and quiet confidence.  He was very kind and he will be greatly missed and loved by us all.

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