Many gathered at American Legion Post 44 in Malverne on Aug. 2 to celebrate the life of Bob Houlihan, a longtime Malverne resident and beloved leader in the Molloy University community.
Houlihan, Molloy’s former vice president for student affairs and the university’s third athletic director, died June 8 at 81. He is survived by his wife, Maysie; his son, Jay; and his daughter, Lauren.
“As I look around and see so many faces, the impact that my father had is unmistakable,” son Jay Houlihan said. “This is a true reflection of the lasting influence that Bob Houlihan had on each and every one of us.”
Much of Houlihan’s legacy was built through his dedication to education, athletics and community service. He began coaching at Molloy in 1980 as the university’s softball coach before also taking over the women’s basketball program, which he led for 11 seasons.
In 1988, Houlihan became Molloy College’s third athletic director. During his 13-year tenure, he oversaw the addition of seven athletic programs and helped establish the school’s first men’s intercollegiate teams, including baseball, basketball and cross-country.
He became vice president for student affairs in 2001, serving students across campus for the remainder of his career. Colleagues said his leadership was defined by his commitment to helping others.
“He loved being at work, it was fun for him,” Janine Biscari, who served under Houlihan before succeeding him as Molloy’s vice president for student affairs, said. “If there was anything he could do to make someone’s day better, he would absolutely do it.”
Away from campus, Houlihan devoted countless hours to coaching young athletes throughout the Malverne community. He volunteered with Malverne Little League, coached local CYO programs and helped at community basketball clinics, where family members said he found joy in mentoring young people.
“He always came to life, whenever he was coaching, or mentoring, or speaking with people,” his wife, Maysie Houlihan, said. “When he was coaching, or helping a student, it always got him excited.”
Houlihan’s contributions earned him Molloy’s Distinguished Service Award in 1993. Twenty years later, he received the university’s President’s Medal, Molloy’s highest honor.
Before joining Molloy, Houlihan served 20 years with the New York Police Department, including 17 years as a detective before retiring in 1986. During his career, he received 22 citations and was a member of the NYPD Honor Legion.
Although he received numerous honors throughout his career, family members, friends and colleagues said Houlihan will be remembered most for his kindness, compassion and willingness to help others.
“His dedication to supporting those around him with kindness, understanding, empathy, and love was truly extraordinary,” Jay Houlihan said. “He had the remarkable ability to make others feel at home, creating a space of comfort without judgement.”
