A devoted husband, proud father, accomplished electrician and lover of life. Christopher Robert Houle, 59, of Ludlow, MA, died peacefully at his seasonal in Charlemont, MA on May 10, 2026.

Chris was born in Holyoke in 1967 to Robert and Estelle Houle, who taught him to appreciate the great outdoors, dedication to family and to live life to its fullest.  His love of camping began with his family’s trips with Pioneer Valley Chapter 8 Camping Group. Their adventures would take them many places and created some of his favorite memories. His parents taught him to appreciate and respect nature. They provided a strong foundation of family that Chris held closely.

Chris graduated from Cathedral High School in 1985 and immediately entered the IBEW Local 7 apprenticeship program.  Through this five-year program he would meet future electricians that would be lifelong colleagues and friends.  He was 41 years union strong and proud of that fact.  Christopher enjoyed being an electrician and was excited to head into work each day.  When asked, he would say it was the perfect job for him, allowing him to be outside and every day there was something different.  He has spent the better part of the last 30 years working for Lapinski Electric Inc. He found his career home working with them, helping to build the traffic division.  His days were only improved by the people he worked with. 

Christopher met the love of his life, Denise, in 1985 through mutual friends.  On their first date at the former HuKeLau, enjoying a scorpion bowl, he shared their future life, including naming their children, Nicholas and Nichole.  They were married in 1991 and every detail shared on that date came true. Through all the challenges in their life, he remained the strength that kept their life moving forward.

He kept his promise to show his love every day as he found people used the words “I love you” too frequently and without true regard for its meaning.

Nicholas was his father’s pride and joy in every sense.  They were buddies that enjoyed watching movies, gaming and eating their favorite sushi.  He supported Nicholas in all aspirations and was overjoyed when Nicholas received his doctorate.  Nicholas always wanted to include his Dad; one recent memory included the Rock Orchestra concert.  Chris had a blast!

Christopher’s daughter was Nichole.  She was only with him for two months until her passing of sudden infant death syndrome in 1997, but his love for her was endless. 

Everyone who knew Chris knew of his soft spot for his pets.  Whether feathered or furry, they were as important as his children.  He leaves Cocoa, his Long Island tortoiseshell cat and Midori, his lovebird. He spoiled them with love.

Friends were like family to Chris.  He cherished his friends and looked forward to spending time with them.  Whether camping, snowmobiling, fishing or any of the many hobbies Chris enjoyed, they were always more fun with friends.  On his weekends, he enjoyed his seasonal.  Each weekend spending time with the “Married Bachelors” getting into some innocent trouble was the best.  When the families joined in the fun, it was that much better for him.  His friendships were far reaching and many of his friends have known him since he was a teenager.  His true friends overlooked his shortcomings and embraced the best parts of him.  Chris knew this and loved them for it.

Snowmobiling was by far his favorite hobby.  His annual trip to Maine with the guys was an event he looked forward to.  Prepping the sleds would start in the summer and then the food planning.  January was crazy, he’d have list after list to make sure he didn’t forget anything.  And the number of calls to those going on the trip were tremendous.  Once on the trip, he’d call every night and share the day’s antics and how many miles they went.  Toward the end of the trip, he’d be looking forward to coming home…he’d been gone long enough.  Once home, he’d want to share the trip with his family with hours of pictures and videos.

Chris was focused on moving toward retirement.  He found his dream home in Maine and loved his big ol’ farmhouse, barn and mini orchard.  He was thinking of a simpler life with his wife and was relaxed and happy when there.  He loved the slower pace and looked forward to retiring there.

Chris was preceded in death by his daughter, Nichole, his father-in-law, Douglas Durocher, and sister-in-law, Susana Durocher.  He is survived by his wife, Denise, his son Nicholas (Diana Israeli), his parents, Robert and Estelle Houle, his mother-in-law, Carol Durocher, sister Tina Gianos (Chris), brother Thomas Houle (Tracey), brother-in-law Douglas Durocher and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be private.  A Celebration of Life will be held June 6, 2026, from 11:00 – 2:00 at the Boathouse, 1 Alvord Street, South Hadley.

Memorial donations can be made to SIDS Network, Inc., PO Box 267, Ledyard, CT 06339, sids-network.org or the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, heart.org.

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