John P. Houlihan, age 43, of Braintree passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on Feb. 23, 2012. John battled valiantly for many years against Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis ("PSC") and succumbed after a three year battle against cholangiocarcinoma. John is survived by his best friend and wife Kristin (Lenane) Houlihan and was the proud and loving father of his three children, Casie, Ryan and Patrick, all of Braintree. He was the devoted son of Jack and Maureen Houlihan and dedicated older brother to David K. Houlihan. He is survived by many aunts and uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews and friends too numerous to mention. In June of 2009, after a 10 year battle with PSC, John underwent a live donor liver transplant, having received the gift of life from his brother David in a 12 hour surgery. John then enjoyed three more years watching his children grow and living his life to the fullest, at all times surrounded by the love and support of cherished family and friends and the entire community of Braintree. John was a 1987 graduate of Braintree High School and a 1992 graduate of Salem State College. He was a successful investigator for more than 20 years, having started his own business before finishing his career with Counter Group of Canton, MA. Despite his illness, John dedicated his time to his children by volunteering with Braintree Youth sports, having held the position of coach or assistant coach to both boys and girls sports of every season. He was a proud member of the Braintree Youth Basketball Board of Directors and was honored in September by the Massachusetts Senate for his years of dedicated service to the youth of Braintree. In addition, John was a certified basketball referee with IAABO Board 27 and taught CCD at St. Thomas More Parish, Braintree. Funeral from the McMaster Funeral Home, 86 Franklin Street, Rte 37 , Braintree, Monday, Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral mass in St. Thomas More Church, 8 Hawthorn Road, Braintree, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit the funeral home on Sunday, 4 - 8 p.m. The family sincerely requests in lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Braintree Cooperative Bank to benefit the Houlihan children.