John Anthony Houlihan Obituary
J.A. Houlihan, ‘Ad’ Man, Dies
Funeral services will be held Monday for James A. Houlihan, 58, head of the advertising agency bearing his name, who died last night at a local hospital. He had been ill for two weeks and suffered a heart attack Tuesday.
Houlihan had been an Oakland resident for 39 years and took an active part in its business and civic life.
A native of Worcester, Mass., he came here in 1907, as representative of an automobile parts manufacturer.
Joins Tribune Staff
In 1910 he joined the staff of The Tribune, becoming its automobile editor in 1918. He served in that capacity until 1923 when he established his advertising agency.
Its main office is in the Tribune Tower with a branch in San Francisco and, until recently, another in Los Angeles.
The Houlihan family home is at 6008 Johnston Drive.
Houlihan held memberships in a variety of organizations including Athenian Nile, Metropolitan, Athens, Oakland Boosters and Elks Clubs and the Eagle Lodge.
Widow Survives
He was married in San Francisco October 8, 1908, to Miss Gussie Kelly, who survives him. He also leaves a daughter, Mrs. Helen Pitto of Walnut Creek, and two grandsons, James L. and Roger R. Pitto.
Two brothers, John F. and Eugene F. Houlihan, and a sister, Mrs. Thomas Hickey, live in Worcester. There also are 14 nephews and nieces, one of whom, John F. Houlihan Jr., has been associated with his uncle in the advertising agency here since January.
A requiem high mass for Houlihan will be celebrated at St. Leo’s Church at 9:30 o’clock MOnday morning with internment [sic] in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Rosary will be said Sunday evening at 8 o’clock at East Lawn Chapel.
Oakland Tribune, 25 October 1946, p C5