R. Bruce Houston, a long-time Medford resident died unexpectedly Wednesday at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was 61.
Mr. Houston was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, son of the late Robert and the late Edna (Brainard) Houston. Bruce joined the US Navy after high school and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. For the last 18 months of his ten years in the Navy, Bruce was stationed in Antarctica where he had the opportunity to help rescue the explorer Jacques Cousteau whose ship had become disabled. Upon his return to the United States, Bruce settled in Medford with his wife Linda, and joined in the operation of the family catering business owned by Linda’s parents, the late Joseph and Lucy DePasquale. Bruce had a passion for old cars and owned an award wining ’63 Chevy Impala which was featured in several magazines. He was a member of the Medford Elks, the National Impala Assoc. and the Sunrise Cruisers.
He was the beloved husband of Linda (DePasquale) Houston. He was a devoted father to Heather Ann Melillo and her husband Brian of Wrentham. He was a dear brother of Victoria “Tory” Lee of Idaho and uncle to Tammy and Brian. He was a loving brother-in-law to Lucy Irene DePasquale and Susan DePasquale, both of Medford, Paula Martin and her husband Ken of Winchester and uncle to Joseph Martin.
Family and friends may visit Sunday from 4 - 8 at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford. Procession will gather at 8 AM Monday for a 9 AM Mass of Christian Burial in St. Raphael Church, Medford. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.