Amherst, MA – Fred Honnold Houck, 89, died peacefully, February 11, 2026. Raised outside Chicago, Fred studied at Weslyan and Columbia. He opened his own business, Fred Houck Jeweler, in Amherst before working at the University of Massachusetts in the development office.
Along the way, Fred fell in love with Sarah “Sally” Anne Bailey. They raised three children, Charlotte, David, and Brent, and settled down in Amherst, where they built their dream house in the woods, surrounded by songbirds, owls, and an endless parade of animals wandering through the yard. He and Sally summered at Squam Lake and explored much of North America, by car and train, marveling at countless National Parks along the way.
Beyond family, nature, and travel, Fred adored music, especially the Boston Symphony and Pops; his aides and nurses quickly learned that nothing would bring him peace like a classical symphony or piano concerto.
Fred is survived by children, Charlotte Houck Mullen and Brent Houck Freedland, and six grandchildren, Rob, Sarah, Enders, Katherine, Zoe, and Simon.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Fred, Saturday, February 28 at Douglass Funeral Service, 87 North Pleasant St., Amherst. The ceremony begins at 10AM; please arrive shortly before. A private burial for family will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Squam Lakes Association.
Please visit https://www.douglassfuneral.com/ for more about Fred’s life or to post a tribute.
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