William G. Houston

HOUSTON, William G. Beloved husband of Veronica 'Ronnie' Houston (Nee Zieverink). Loving father of William B. (Catherine) Houston, Teresa (Maria) Houston, Anthony Paduano and Gina Gilfilen. Devoted grandfather of Cole, Sophia, Charlotte, Chloe, Autumn and Luciana. Cherished son of Jean C. Houston (Nee Gallagher) and the late William H. Houston. Dear brother of Denise (Kevin) Ryan, Steve Houston and Gina (Michael) Johnson. Also survived by his nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Passed away suddenly on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 62 years of age. Visitation on WEDNESDAY at MEYER FUNERAL HOME, 5864 Bridgetown Rd., from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial on THURSDAY at Our Lady of the Visitation, 3172 South Rd., at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ALS Association Central and Southern Ohio Chapter, 1170 Old Henderson Rd. Suite 221, Columbus, OH 43220 in Jean Houston's name.

William Gregory Houston passed away the evening of Wednesday May 1, 2019. Bill is survived by his wife Veronica, his mother Jean, his children William, Teresa, Tony and Gina, his siblings Denise, Steve and Gina, six grandchildren and countless brothers and sisters in the Cincinnati Fire Department and the fire community at large.

Bill was born to William and Jean Houston on August 21st, 1956. As a young child, Bill had a strong work ethic instilled in him by his father, and a genuine kindness by his mother. Two traits readily apparent to all who knew him.

In 1991, Bill married Ronnie, joining their lives and four children together as one family. Bill loved Ronnie with all his heart, and they supported and loved each other through life's adventures for the past 28 years. Bill dedicated himself to his family as he dedicated himself to all things he did. It was worth doing. And it was worth doing right.

After college, Bill began his work as an educator, book-ending a career characterized by his desire to serve others. Bill's career began at St. Joseph's Orphanage and culminated as an English Teacher at his alma mater Roger Bacon High School. Bill's desire to serve continued, and in 1997 he joined the Cincinnati Fire Department, where he would spend the next 21 years of his career, finally retiring in September of 2018. He developed some amazing friendships and forged bonds that would last a lifetime during his career. The outpouring of support from friends, co-workers and perfect strangers over the past few days are a testament to his character, and we are eternally grateful for the kindness. Bill's life and career was about helping people who need help. Even in death his organ donations will help 40 people around the country.

Bill was a husband, son, father, civil servant, educator and historian. The world was made a better place the 62 years he walked it's face and touched those around him. Bill's legacy is in the kindness he showed each and every person he met, and the children and grandchildren on whom he made an indelible impression. If there is one thing to gain from this terrible tragedy, it's to be kind to one another. Bill would have been proud to know he had played a part in helping those around him one last time.

To look into Bill's eyes was to know how much he cared about you. There was a genuine kindness there I've seen few other places, and as his son something I will miss deeply. Dad, we miss you terribly, but will see you soon.