Michael D. Van Houten Sr. of Jamesport died on Oct. 25, 2024 at South Shore University Hospital after a brave battle with cancer. He was 70 years old.
Born on June 6, 1954 in Flushing, Queens, he was the son of Robert Van Houten and Elizabeth Kearns. Mike graduated from Riverhead High School in 1972 and went to work for the family moving business.
Mike married Barbara Hilliker in 1974 and they made their permanent home in Jamesport.
Mike’s work ethic was second to none. He drove thousands of miles over 50 years as a tractor trailer driver/business owner delivering produce to your table, plants to your gardens, and lumber to your home projects. Despite the long hours and time away from family, he loved what he did and he did it well.
Most important to Mike was his love for his family and friends. He was always eager to lend a hand and help anyone in need. Mike was a true family man; he enjoyed many years of camping with his family. He adored his grandchildren. You could be certain if he wasn’t working, you would find him sitting on a bench at a ball field, or in a gymnasium, or at a racetrack supporting one of them. Mike was a fan of NASCAR and a former racer himself. He passed on that passion to his children and grandchildren who raced weekly. Most days, Mike was the first at the shop and the last to leave, working quietly and fastidiously to get the cars ready for Saturday’s race. It was a true labor of love.
His kind heart, gentle spirit, and warm smile will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara; three children, Michael Jr., Brad, and Meredith (Stephen) Halpin; and six grandchildren.
The family will receive visitors on Monday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home, 336 Marcy Avenue, Riverhead.
A funeral mass will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 546 St Johns Place, Riverhead. Interment will follow at Jamesport Cemetery, 1601 Main Road, Jamesport.
Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978‑7048
