Obituaries
Bruce Hannum Houghtaling, 73
April 05, 2025
Bruce Hannum Houghtaling, educator and private school administrator, died on Saturday, April 5 at his home in Lancaster, PA with his wife and son by his side. Bruce, age 73, was born April 24, 1951 in Newburgh, NY to Earle H. Houghtaling, Jr. Esq. and Fay Ann Deyo Houghtaling Williamson and was the first of five children. He was a graduate of Kent School in Connecticut and earned a B.A. in History from Monmouth College and a M.Ed. from the University of New Orleans.
His over half-century career in education included administrative positions at St. Martin’s Episcopal School in Metairie, LA, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Ridgeland, MS and Sewickley Academy in Sewickley, PA, where generations of students benefited from his humor, empathy, and steadfast commitment to their success, both inside and outside the classroom.
In 1971, Bruce married Susan Shelton of Middletown, NJ, a fellow educator, and together they lovingly raised their only child, Edward (Ted). After Susan’s death in 2010, Bruce retired to his childhood home in Walden, NY where he became Senior Warden of St. Andrews Church, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, a contributing writer for the Wallkill Valley Times and an active member of the Walden Historical Society.
In 2014, Bruce married Nancy Post Mitchell, re-igniting a flame first lit in grade school. Bruce and Nancy moved to Lancaster, PA in 2019 where his engaging personality, generosity, compassion, and delight in sharing stories was evident in his volunteer work for Hospice and Community Care, his speaking engagements at local community organizations, and the weekly ice cream social and history lecture series he hosted at a nearby assisted living facility.
Bruce had a deep love for Broadway musicals, American history, trains, classic automobiles, and the New York Yankees. He was also a longtime supporter of the Goshen Historic Track and the Holland Society of New York.
Bruce is survived by his wife Nancy Post Mitchell Houghtaling, son Edward Shelton Houghtaling (Kim), mother Fay Ann Deyo Houghtaling Williamson, siblings Ann Bartram Houghtaling Sinclair, John Bartram Houghtaling (Fran), Peter Deyo Houghtaling, and Kathryn Norris Houghtaling (Sean). He is also survived by stepchildren Amy Mitchell Pooley (Dave) and Thomas Mitchell (Sahalie).
A family gathering will take place in New York at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bruce’s memory to the Bruce and Susan Houghtaling Scholarship Fund at Sewickley Academy – https://www.sewickley.org/giving/make-a-gift.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
April 23, 2025
Dear Nancy I am so sorry to read of your loss of Bruce. He was a wonderful man. I loved his Mom too Wonderful family God Bless you all. You were both very special You willl be in my thoughts & prayers. Love Margaret Williams
April 20, 2025
I am forever grateful for having taught Art in the Lower School of St.Martin’s Episcopal School while our beloved Bruce was there also. He was the Best Ever. So caring, intelligent, kind and thoughtful. Always. I am very sad to learn of his family’s loss of him. Grateful that Bruce’s obituary was included in our New Orleans newspaper where I still reside. I will forever treasure Bruce’s Friendship, Support and his Smile. We shared an incredible journey together at St.Martin’s. Sending much Love to each of his Family members. Sincerely, Candy (Kirby) Cranch, M.Ed.
April 17, 2025
Bruce was a friend at Kent School, when the girls had to travel five miles to take a class at the Boys’ school. And there we gathered, Roxy Carnes, Widget and I, coming off the bus and walking up the boardwalk. We caught up with Bruce at the street level window of his dorm room. We talked, enjoying the incredible spring of 1969, and would walk on to our class with Mr. Ludlow.
It always strikes me that I never saw Bruce after graduation, and clearly missed a clever and thoughtful teenager come of age and inspire students in his exemplary career. All my best and condolences to Bruce’s family and friends at a difficult time.
Deborah Fowler
April 17, 2025
I was the Headmaster of St Andrew’s Episcopal School in Jackson, MS from 1996-2005 and for several years Bruce served as Head of the Upper School. What a fine person and what a fine administrator. He was admired and respected by the trustees, faculty, administration and students. Simply put, Bruce was a joy to be around. A pure joy.
The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand
The sun goes down but gentle warmth still lingers on the land
The music stops and yet it lingers on in sweet refrains
For every joy that passes something beautiful remains
Thank you Bruce for making St. Andrew’s a better place.
David Wood
April 15, 2025
Bruce and I were classmates and friends at Kent School 1965-1969. He had a great sense of humor and never seemed to be “down” so despite not being on any of the same sports teams or attending similar classes , he and I were good buddies. Bruce was one of the shortest guys in our class but kept everyone on an equal footing with his sharp humor . I am not the least surprised at the praise so many who came in contact with him during his school
administration tenure had for him . Those were his gifts. Bruce will be missed.
Duncan Anderson
April 14, 2025
Bruce was greatly loved at St. Martin’s Episcopal School. When my son and I met with him my son’s freshman year, Bruce asked him what his goal was, my son immediately answered the Naval Academy. Bruce’s response was that he had to study really hard to achieve that goal. Thank you Bruce for inspiring him. My son graduated from the Academy and spent 10 years in the Marine Corps. We miss you Bruce.
Karen Smith
April 14, 2025
Great man! Grateful to have had him as Upper School Head at St. Martin’s in the late ’80s. Always a kind man, always fair, and when he could have dropped the hammer…he didn’t! He left a big impact on me! Rest in Peace Bruce!
Beau Bisso
April 13, 2025
Bruce was among the finest Educators to ever walk the halls of any Educational Institution anywhere. His tenure at St. Martin’s dramatically improved all aspects of the school.
He was the “best of the best”, finest of the fine, a gentleman amongst gentlemen, and an educator beyond compare. He had no peer, he stood alone comfortably. Milton Reese
April 11, 2025
Bruce would volunteer his time and knowledge for history presentations to our residents. His love of education was clear as well as his sweet spirit and generous heart. Bruce will be missed. We can never thank him enough.
Michelle Young Nell Legend of Lititz/Lancaster
April 10, 2025
It was my first year in America. An the first international student to Sewickley, the culture shock, language barrier, no family around were many of the issues that made my 15 as one of the hardest years of my life. But I still remember Mr. Houghtaling’s Acura sedan, the lunch at the French cafe in downtown Sewickley, his cozy office, and all the supports and encouragement he had given me to made me survive that year and thriving as time goes on. I can’t imagine how life would be with having Mr. Houghtaling as my senior school principal for my freshman year. I’ve already missed him as he retired at end of my freshman, and I will miss him for the rest of my life. Thank you Mr. Hoightaling, you have provided a home for a wandering soul and lit up the light in my darkest days. Love, Adele
April 09, 2025
Bruce was a great listener, had a tremendous sense of humor and did not hesitate to stand up for others if he saw it fit. He had a significant effect on students and faculty. A true educator who took his craft seriously without taking himself seriously. All my condolences to the family and friends. p. Spinelli
April 09, 2025
Bruce and I would criss cross for much of our lives both in schools and geographically when he retired to Walden. We shared a passion for trains and of course the Goshen Historic Track where our families were always present . Bruce was also fond of cars and I , as a long time Manhattaninte, was a vicarious aficionado. He was a most amiable companion on the road of life.
Alexander Hoyt
April 09, 2025
So sorry to hear about Bruce’s passing: a gentleman and a scholar. I so appreciated all the help he gave me for the SS French classes I taught and the encouragement he gave my daughter as a student.
Lydia Holley
