It is with deep sorrow, yet faith-filled hope, that we announce the passing of Patricia Emily Houghton. She departed this life on August 21, 2025 at the age of 82, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her loving husband Carl, with whom she shared 54 years of marriage, rooted in love, faith, and devotion. She was a source of light and strength to her children Elizabeth (Eric), Michael (Christine), and Emelinda (Josh): and adored by each of her ten grandchildren: Cole, Ayden, Balin, Raphael, Liam, Quinn, Ayla, Avianna, Greyson, and Luna.
Born in Brooklyn to Dr. Angelo Franco and Ms. Ermalinda (Emily) Riso on November 20,1942, Patricia was one of seven children. Homelife was always bustling with music, laughter, and the smell of home cooked meals. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers Angelo and Joseph, and sister-in-law Rebecca; and survived by siblings Anne, Kathryn, John (Sue) and Gerard as well as sisters-in-law, Carol and Mary.
Patricia graduated from New Berlin Central School as salutatorian in 1960. She continued her education at Nazareth College in Rochester where she studied music education, majoring in voice and minoring in piano. She went on to secure an assistantship at the University of Kentucky earning a Masters degree, and subsequent grant to study African music and history at Columbia University. Later on, she completed post graduate coursework at the University of Maine and Eastman School of Music.
Patricia’s formal working career began as a music educator for Oneonta and Sidney Central public schools. After marrying and starting a family, she continued her passion for teaching, offering private voice and piano lessons. She devoted countless hours to St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in New Berlin; a small parish dear to her heart as a member of one of the founding families. Throughout the years she has served as organist, liturgy director, religious education coordinator, choir director; and sincere advocate for rural parishes in Central New York.
Patricia’s life was a testimony to faith in action and dedication to family. Her unwavering belief in God, generous heart, and selfless spirit shaped not only the lives of her husband, children and family, but also the countless individuals she served with grace and humility throughout her life. In her free moments, she enjoyed sharing her Italian heritage with her siblings, children and grandkids through homemade meatballs, ravioli and Pasta Fazool. The Franco-Houghton home was always a spot of gathering for countless birthdays, holidays, and summer get-togethers. She also enjoyed supporting the New Berlin Art Forum, attending grandkids’ school events, sewing projects, and playing four-hand piano. She was her husband Carl’s source of joy and support as he created his paintings.
The family invites all who knew her to join in honoring her memory at a candlelight rosary vigil in St Theresa’s Catholic Church at 7 p.m. on August 29th. A reception will follow downstairs where friends can share messages of sympathy and love. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 30, at 11 a.m. at Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church in New Berlin, New York. The family will gather afterward for a private burial. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving your time to a worthy cause or person in need– in honor of Patricia and her life of service and love.
Services are in care of Dakin Funeral Home.