Interment: Jul 31, 2020

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John H. Halleran, decorated WWII veteran, passed away Friday, April 3, 2020 at the age of 98.

John was the loyal, loving, and indefatigable husband of Harriet (Wereldsma) Halleran, celebrating nearly 72 years of marriage. He was also the wise and wonderful father and father-in-law of the late Patricia O'Connor, John M. (Beth Krischke) Halleran, Joan (Terry) Trinka, Sheila (Robert) Lake, Maureen (Steve) Mills, and Kathleen (Eric) Hauk, the absolute best grandpa to Matthew O'Connor, Andrew O'Connor, Chelsea Trinka, Jason Trinka, Erin Trinka Turner, Colin Lake, Quinn Lake, Jessie Mills, Killian Mills, Lachlan Mills, Griffin Mills, Carolyn Hauk, Grace Hauk, and Anna Hauk, and epic great-grandpa to six. He was truly loved and loved deeply in return.

John was born in Chicago on July 4, 1921, the son of John M. Halleran and Mary Grace Walsh, and brother of the late Robert J. (Doris) Halleran. He attended Fenger High School, played football, joined the ROTC, and, as a southpaw pitcher, was invited to try out for the Chicago White Sox. But war intervened and he proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1942 - 46, first activating the 69th Division stateside and then with the 36th Division, 141st Infantry Regiment, Company I, in the European Theatre. Captain John Halleran courageously and victoriously led his platoon across eastern France and was wounded in action, earning a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and many other meritorious commendations. While recovering from his injuries, he served in military intelligence.

After celebrating VE Day on the Champs Élysées, he joined the Army of Occupation to survey bomb damage and help restore food production at factories in France and Germany. He was honored at the 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Bruyères and awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honor medal, the highest honor bestowed upon those who have achieved remarkable deeds for France.

After returning home from the war, John attended the Illinois Institute of Technology and earned a degree in Architecture while a staff engineer with the Pure Oil Company, later acquired by Unocal.

He met Harriet, whom he married in 1948. They lived on Chicago's South Side, where they made lifelong friends who gathered regularly over seven decades for dinner, lively conversation, and hijinks.

In 1965, the family moved into a home John had designed and built in Trout Valley, IL. He was an active, long-time resident of the community, serving for years as Chairman of the Building Committee. He eventually retired from his 35-year career with Unocal but continued his successful residential architecture practice, designing and remodeling many homes in the area. He often joined in Memorial Day parades and visited his grandchildren's schools to share first-hand accounts of WWII history.

John traveled extensively with family and friends across the fifty states, Europe, the U.K, Ireland, and Australia. He also flew to Washington, D.C. with other veterans through Honor Flight Chicago.

He loved all creatures, especially dogs, who instantly recognized a kindred spirit and an easy mark for a scratch and a treat. His whistle could be heard a mile away and he easily recalled the lyrics of all the '40s standards, but admittedly had two left feet when it came to dancing.

He greeted everyone with a warm hello, a handsome smile, and a twinkle in his eye. He was an exceptional listener and a wonderful philosopher, imparting such wisdom as "eat the elephant one bite at a time" when faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge and "don't cry over spilt milk" when things did not go as planned. A hero to many and loved by all, he was a genuine and honorable man. There are many words to describe his greatness, but none to describe our loss.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 855, Barrington, IL 60011.

Remembrances may be made in John's memory to Honor Flight Chicago: https://www.honorflightchicago.org/donate