Dennis “Denny” Michael Houlihan, age 84, of Frisco, Texas passed away on July 6, 2025. He was born on July 3, 1941, to Sara (Mastin) and Daniel Lee Houlihan in Hillsboro, Illinois. On June 22, 1963, Denny married Joyce Genevieve Kroeger in Lima, Ohio.
Denny is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce Houlihan of Frisco, Texas; his son, Christopher Houlihan and his wife, Lisa of Flower Mound, Texas; his daughter, Colleen Smith of Dallas, Texas; his grandchildren, Christopher Leonard, Tabitha, Riley, Brittany, Grayson, Gavin, Ryan, Piper, and Liam; his great grandchildren Sawyer and Ivory; his sister, Mary Jo Beckel and her husband, Dr. Jerry Beckel of San Antonio, Texas; his brothers, John Houlihan and his wife, Susan of Bluffton, Indiana, Dr. Tom Houlihan and his wife, Diane of Oxford, North Carolina, and Dr. Dan Houlihan and his wife, Rita of Rockford, Illinois.
Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Sara and Daniel Houlihan; his brother, Jim Houlihan; and his son-in-law, Rick Smith.
The family would like to give a especial thanks to Chris and all the caregivers that provided Denny's care.
Denny’s life was rich with many passions. He found great joy in taking cruises, one of his favorite escapes, exploring new places all over the world, sharing unforgettable adventures with family and friends. Denny always chose intimate gatherings centered on engaging conversations over loud parties, and he continually strived to bring family together, cherishing those close moments most of all. He was named to the 2008 LCC Hall of Fame for Athletic Achievement and as an avid golfer, he had the rare privilege of playing at Augusta National. No matter where he was, you could count on sports being on the television.
Beyond these joys, Denny was an entrepreneur at heart, most notably as the founder of Sage Telecom, Inc. Through his vision and dedication, he built a thriving business that reflected his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. His leadership and success were recognized when he was named the Ernst & Young 2001 Entrepreneur of the Year and the Dallas Business Journal 2003 Business Person of the Year.
Among his many passions was a deep commitment to both his faith and community, which shaped his charitable spirit and the countless ways he cared for those around him. He was heavily involved in the expansion of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, and he served on the Children’s Legacy Steering Committee, helping bring to life Children’s Medical Center Plano in 2008, ensuring children across the region had access to exceptional care.
Above all, Denny will be remembered for his strength and generosity. Throughout the past two decades, Denny confronted every hurdle with a blend of grace, resilience, and courage that inspired everyone around him. He was always willing to help those in need and had a special passion for assisting anyone pursuing higher education, believing deeply in the power of opportunity. Those whose lives he touched are forever better for the love, compassion, and joy he so freely shared.
Family and friends are invited to funeral services on Friday, July 25, 2025, at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 8000 Eldorado Parkway, Frisco, Texas 75033, starting at 1:00 PM with the Praying the Rosery followed by a Memorial Mass at 2:00 PM. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at Stonebriar County Club, 5050 Country Club Drive, Frisco, Texas 75034, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to “I AM With You ALWAYS” – a campaign to build the future of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Frisco Give to St. Francis_I Am with You Always, Joyce Houlihan Nurse Residency Program at Children’s Health Plano , or to the Lima Central Catholic Student's Scholarship Fund.