Charles Martin “Marty” Houk of New Paltz, New York, passed on peacefully Thursday, August 13, 2020 at Woodland Pond in New Paltz at the age of 80.
Born October 15, 1939 in Nashville, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Charles Harry Smith and Janet (Newcomb) Houk. He lived in Plainview for 38 years and Kings Park Long Island 10, a member and Elder of the Smithtown Presbyterian Church.
On August 18, 1962 Illinois, he married Patricia Licina, a high school friend.
After obtaining two degrees from Northwestern School of Journalism, he joined Chicago Daily News as a copy editor. Three years later, he was hired by Newsday, the Long Island newspaper, where he held positions as reporter, copy editor, and night-news sports editor. He worked there for more than 30 years before his retirement in 1995.
A devoted family man, Marty (Pop Pop) shared his enthusiasms for music, playing drums, camping, tennis, biking, reading, and the NY Yankees.
His family includes: wife Patricia Houk, daughters: Lisa Houk Makohon and partner Ernest Boyd of Huntington LI, Rachel Houk Seeger and husband Billy of Norwood, MA, Adrienne Houk Maley and husband Matt of New Paltz, NY, brother Kendall Newcomb Houk of Los Angeles, CA and son-in-law Rick Makohon of Long Island, NY. Grandchildren: Cooper Martin Makohon, Beatrice Houk Seeger and Lianna Ray Maley. Nephew, Kendall Martin Houk of Harrisburg, NC, and several cousins.
A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.
The family appreciates donations to Alzheimer’s Association at Alz.org in Marty’s name.
Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home is honored to assist Marty’s family with the arrangements.
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