Published in the November 3, 2017 edition
NORTH READING — Thomas “Lee” Huston, 79, of North Reading, formerly of Melrose and Andover, died at his home on Oct. 26, 2017. He was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts from 1982 until his retirement in 1990.
He began his career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield in 1967 as the Assistant to the Manager of General Services. In 1969, he assumed the role Manager of Information Systems. He was then appointed Assistant Vice President-Benefits Administration in 1971. In 1974, he was elected Vice President-Benefits Administration and served in that capacity for eight years, with responsibility for seven major corporate activities.
Mr. Huston was the Founder, President and Chief Operating Officer of Medical West, Medical East, and Fallon Community Health Plans, and was instrumental in the development of Delta Dental. He was a member of the American Public Health Association, the American Academy of Medical Administrators, and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association’s Inter-Plan Operations Committee.
Born in Hudson, he was a graduate of Melrose High School, Northeastern University, and the University of Massachusetts. He attended the Northeastern University Management Development department program, the University of Michigan Blue Cross and Blue Shield Heath Care Institute, and Brandon Systems Institute. He completed a full range of EDP courses and IBM technical courses and received a master’s degree in Public Health and Medical Care Organization from the University of Michigan in March, 1977.
Lee was the beloved husband of Catherine D. (McSweeney) Huston for 53 years. Loving father of Michael R. Huston of North Reading and Christopher J. Huston of Middleton. Cherished grandfather of Connor and Elizabeth Huston. Former father in law of Kristen Huston of Middleton. Caring brother of the late Roy E. Huston and his wife Gloria of Northborough, and the late Jay R. Huston. Brother in law of Margaret Logan and her late husband Joseph, and Monica Burns and her late husband Jack, all of Saugus, and Ethel “Sue” Harris and her husband John of Mashpee. Dear friend of Valerie Hunt of Middleton. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St., North Reading, on Monday, Oct. 30. Burial in Riverside Cemetery, North Reading. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lee’s memory to Massachusetts General Hospital, Palliative Care Clinic, 55 Fruit St., Yawkey Center, Suite 7B, Boston, MA 02114.
