Paul George Houghton

Paul G. Houghton June 4, 1947 – October 5, 2025

Paul G. Houghton, 78, of Wading River, New York, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025.

Born on June 4, 1947, Paul was raised in New York City by his late parents, Ralph A. Houghton and Edna (Owens) Houghton, who instilled in him the values of integrity, hard work, and family devotion. He was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Ralph Houghton and Allen Houghton, with whom he shared a lifelong bond.

Paul was a proud alumnus of Power Memorial Academy, class of 1965, where he played on the school’s celebrated basketball team. In 2000, the undefeated 1963-1964 team was inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame. Paul carried that same spirit of teamwork and discipline into his time as a police officer with the New York City Police Department.

After retiring from the NYPD, Paul pursued his love of fishing and his entrepreneurial spirit as the owner of Miller Place Seafood. For over 30 years, the retail fish store stood as a beloved fixture in the community. Throughout his career, Paul participated in many industry partnerships; serving as the chairman of the Seafood Retailers Council and president of New York’s Seafood Council. Paul shared his love of seafood as a way to bring people together — whether catering special events like weddings, supporting the Long Island Maritime Museum through the annual Seafood Festival with generous donations of time and money, or most importantly, making sure family holidays and gatherings with friends were filled with the best seafood Long Island had to offer.

Family and friends meant everything to Paul. He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back, a job if you needed one, money if you were short, or even a place to stay — generous, dependable, and always ready to lend a hand.

Paul is survived by his daughter, Carrie Houghton, and her daughters Alyssa, Samantha, and Jessica; his son, Paul Houghton Jr., and daughter-in-law Kara, and their daughters Maya, Meredith, and Audrey.

He also leaves behind his beloved partner of over 25 years, Diane Acevedo, and her children and grandchildren, who Paul embraced as his own: Brandon Acevedo; Jarret Acevedo and his children Riley and Nicholas; Christopher Acevedo and his wife Crystal, and their children Kimber, Aidan, and Jaiden.

Lastly, Paul leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and in-laws, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Paul’s legacy is one of quiet strength, loyalty, devotion and love — who provided for his family with unwavering commitment, and brought people together through his love of seafood. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.