John Simmons Houck - Obituary

ohn Simmons Houck, 69, of Riva, Maryland, passed away on November 27 surrounded by family after a lengthy struggle with gastrointestinal cancer. Beloved husband, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and friend, John will be greatly missed by many. John was born May 20, 1953 to Sylvia Simmons Houck and Fletcher LeRoy Houck, Jr. in Cheverly, Maryland. He graduated from Severn School in 1971, and went on to study History at the University of Maryland, where he participated in volunteer work for youth programs. After graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, John became a settlement officer, and worked for 25 years at Houck and McCarron, the law firm founded by his father F. LeRoy Houck. In 1982, John met the love of his life, Oza Dee Owens through mutual friends, and they fell in love during their first dance. They were married in 1986 and celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary in May, 2022. As spouses and best friends, theirs was a story-book romance, a true partnership and a decades-long love story in which the bonds of love last forever. John was dedicated to his wife Oza and family. His love, support and joy was a source of strength for all. John was known for his generosity and down-to-earth manner. A consummate storyteller who made every gathering brighter, John’s good sense of humor and sense of fun was cherished by family, friends and all who met him. He enjoyed golf, played guitar, water skied on the South River, loved the beach, and sailed, completing trips as far away as Florida and New York. John was also an avid Washington Commanders fan and was a season ticket holder for 58 years, having attended several Super Bowls. John was predeceased by his parents Sylvia and F. LeRoy, sister Fran Houck, grand-niece Avery Constance Houck and nephew Fletcher LeRoy Houck, III. He is survived by his wife Oza Dee, sister Jeanne Houck, brother Rob Roy Houck and all their families, including 11 nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will be held at Harbor Hills Yacht Club Clubhouse on December 11 from 1-3 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake at www.hospicechesapeake.org, an organization that was of immense support.