Houle, Richard D.

Richard D. “Bubba” Houle, 64, of Andover, beloved husband for 39 years of Teresa (Fontanella) Houle, passed to a new beginning on Sunday, March 28, 2021. Born May 17, 1956, Bubba grew up in Bristol and in 1984 moved to the home he and his wife, Teresa, built in Andover. Employed by Admiral Moving & Storage, Inc. for the past 14 years, Bubba also worked at Barrieau Moving & Storage for over 25 years.

Bubba will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Teresa, his daughter Alexandra -- who was his pride and joy - - and his favorite son-inlaw Zack Konopka of Mansfield, as well as his devoted dogs, Sookie and Layla.

Predeceased by his mother, Catherine A. Houle and his father-in-law Richard N. Fontanella, who Bubba missed daily, he is survived by his father Roland and wife Rita Houle of Bristol.

Bubba will be sorely missed by many family members, including his beloved mother-in-law Marie Fontanella and her partner Victor Harriman of Manchester, his sister Kathy Schluter of Charlton, MA, and his brothers and their spouses, Robert and Mary of Bristol, Raymond and Gail of Marlborough, Ronald and Tammy of Bristol, and Russell and Suzanne of Wolcott.

He also leaves behind two sisters-in-law and their husbands, Rita and Donald “Donzie” Simons (his fishing buddy) of Hebron, and Gemma and Alan “Aldo” Ebstein of Old Saybrook, as well as his jocular cousin William ‘Dork' and Mary Paquette of Wallingford, along with numerous nieces and nephews: Nikki and Tyler DiGiovanni, CT; Brian and Meghan Simons, CT; Tony Ebstein and Tessa Lee, MT; Jake Ebstein and Hannah Glass, MA; Phil and Lena Houle, NH; Rob and Jen Houle, CT; Mike and Meghan Houle, MA; Brittani and Justin Olson, CT; Dani and Scott Kirby, CT; Erika Houle, CT; Krista and Wayne Krupa, MA; Patrick Gormley, FLA; Gabriella and Gianna Houle, CT.

Bubba will also be fondly remembered by many coworkers, especially his long-time friends Greg Flanagan and Steve Atkinson, as well as Mike McGuire with whom Bubba spent countless days/weeks on the road. A colorful character with a mischievous sense of humor, Bubba enlivened family gatherings and was known for infusing conversations with silly, irreverent and sometimes inappropriate wisecracks – each one delivered with an impish smile and quiet chuckle, some living on as 'Bubba-isms'. A tough guy with an admirable work ethic and heart of gold, Bubba was always willing to lend a helping hand and rarely walked away from a fight – most notably kicking ass in the 2008 match: Bubba vs Pancreatic Cancer.

Appreciative of life's simple pleasures, Bubba enjoyed home improvement projects, tending the lawn and garden, playing cornhole, and relaxing on the deck with a cocktail and Teresa. He and Teresa also loved exploring the New England coastline, especially Cape Cod and Maine.

A 1974 graduate of Bristol Eastern High School where he played football, Bubba maintained a lifelong passion for the game, never missing the annual Thanksgiving Day contest against archrival Bristol Central High School. Since his absolute favorite pastime was fishing – especially when accompanied by 12 good buds – it's fitting that we honor Bubba with contributions to CTRiver.org.

Bubba's family and friends will celebrate his life in June with a “Bubba Burger and Beer Fest”.