Plan for the Future
John T. Halpin, 88, of Chatham Twp, (formerly Toms River and Springfield, N.J.) died peacefully at the Chatham Hill Subacute Care Center surrounded by loved ones.
John was born on December 4, 1934 in Newark, N.J. to Irish born, Mary C. and William F. Halpin. After John graduated Bloomfield Tech he enlisted in the army and served in the 11th airborne in Fort Campbell, Ky.
He soon married the love of his life, Barbara J. Dunphy. They went on to have 7 children, Barbara Maxwell (James), Colleen Kubisch (Steven), Nancy Halpin-Birkner (the late James), Cynthia Maxwell (Lawrence), Anne Sostowski (Michael), John B. and James Halpin (Nancy) to whom he devoted his life.
In 1990 John retired from his business where he was the owner of Halpin’s Tavern in Irvington, N. J. He enjoyed many years of reading (especially Irish history), traveling, fishing, woodworking and playing golf. Most of all, he loved spending his free time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
John was predeceased by his son John B. Halpin, his brother William Halpin, and his sisters Mary Walsh and Loretta Lynskey. He is survived by his children and his grandchildren who adored him, Ryan Maxwell (Michelle), Lucas Kubisch (Dawn), Bonnie Desrochers (Seth), Derek Birkner (Emma), Benjamin Maxwell, Colin Maxwell, Katie Dumont (Beau), Bryan Sostowski (Ajla), Kevin Sostowski (Lauren), Shannon Dufour (TJ), Hailey Halpin and Sean Halpin. He was loved by his great-grandchildren Faith Maxwell, Maddison Dumont, Claira Maxwell, Brayden Dumont, James Birkner-Lyon, William Birkner-Lyon, Jack Sostowski and Hannah Dufour. He is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He will be remembered for all the love and devotion he shared with his family and friends. He carried himself with dignity and strength. We will miss his humor and the twinkle in his eye. He will be missed dearly.
Visiting hours at Bradley, Smith & Smith Funeral Home, 415 Morris Ave. in Springfield will be held on Thursday, July 20th from 4 to 8pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. James the Apostle Church, 45 S. Springfield Ave., also in Springfield on Friday, July 21st at 10am. Interment will follow at St. Teresa Cemetery in Summit. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to Alzheimer’s Research Association, 31408 Harpers Ave., Suite 235, St. Clair Shores, MI 48082.
