Obituaries/Viewings
Joseph M. Hallinen | 83
Share Obituary
Joseph M. Hallinen, 83, passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at his home, surrounded by family.
He was born May 3, 1938, the son of the late Leonard and Celia Wolfe Hallinen. Joseph was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of St. Marys Public High School, Class of 1956. He was employed by B&R Electric Company, where he retired after 43 years.
On June 20, 1959, in the St Mary’s Catholic Church, he married Mary Elizabeth Eichmiller. Together they raised six children. Mary preceded him in death on October 30, 1995.
For more than 20 years, Joe was the “Christmas Lighting Engineer” for the City of St. Marys from 1977 through 1998 when he passed the torch to his son. He also committed to volunteering his time at ECCHS for over 25 years. Together with his wife Mary, he was President of Mothers, Fathers and Friends Association, Athletic Association, as well as officers in Band Boosters. He was a caller for Monday Night Bingo for more than 25 years and was instrumental in bringing Super Bingo as a fundraiser to the area to support ECCHS.
Joe dedicated countless hours to the Columbian Club Board of Directors for more than 15 years and Knights of Columbus, Council #567 where he served in every office including Grand Knight several times. He was a 50-year member of the Knights and a member of the Fourth Degree Knights. Joe instituted the Knights of Columbus scholarship program benefitting incoming freshmen attending ECCHS. He was a member of the Moose and a social member of the American Legion. Joe supported the community through the blood donations to the American Red Cross and was a member of the 12-gallon club.
When Joe wasn’t spending time with his family or contributing to his community in which he cherished, he enjoyed bowling, playing cards, and horseshoes with his friends.
On July 23, 2004, in St. Leo’s Church, he married Margaret “Peggy” Yeager. He met Peggy while his mother, Celia, was a resident of Pine Crest Manor where she worked as Daytime Charge Nurse and is now semi-retired. Together with Peggy, he enjoyed traveling and visiting his six children, four stepsons, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.
Joe continued his love of helping others during his retirement. When his cousins, Larry and Alan, were ready to dive into new business ventures he was there to help. They tapped the trees and started Sugar Bush Farm Maple Syrup production near Smethport and later helped construct the Red Fern.
For the past 15 years, Joe served on a committee with classmate, Terry Pontzer, to organize an annual St Marys Public High School, Class of ‘56 party for his classmates who lived locally.
He enjoyed delivering meals on wheels. He felt privileged to drive veterans to their appointments through the VA Rides for Vets program where he was honored for driving more than 10,000 miles and over 1,000 hours of service. He also enjoyed driving for ATA in his retirement.
He enjoyed traveling. He and Peggy were members of Elk County Travelers.
In addition to his wife Peggy, he is survived by his six children: Ken (Judy) Hallinen of Pittsburgh PA, Christine Borton of Ankeny, IA, Robert Hallinen of Carlisle, PA, David (Cindy) Hallinen of St Marys, PA, Carol Anne (Stan) Smith of Weedville, PA, Pete (Hollie) Hallinen (Ian and Connor Frazier) of Jonesborough, TN; by four stepsons: Ron (Becky) Yeager of Mont Alto, PA, Jeff (Mary) Yeager of Ridgway, PA, Chris (Sarah Evers) Yeager of Ridgway, PA, and Tim Yeager of Bedford Heights, OH; by nine grandchildren: Jennifer Hallinen (Kevin Eckert) of St. Marys, PA, Nicole Hallinen (Ross Kukulinski) of Kirkland, WA, Kelsey Hallinen of Princeton, NJ, Joel Hallinen of Somerset, PA, Nathan Hallinen currently serving in Korea, Kayla Yeager, of Mont Alto, PA, Meg Yeager of Ridgway, PA, Matthew Yeager and Owen Yeager, both of Brunswick, OH; by three great-grandchildren: Hannah and Elliott Kukulinski of Kirkland, WA, and Jack Eckert of St. Marys; and by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, Mary, and his parents, Joe was preceded in death by two brothers: Leonard and James Hallinen. He was the last member of his immediate family.
Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Sunday, November 21, 2021 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Monday, November 22, 2021, at 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Peter Augustine Pierjok, OSB, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus, Council #567, 3 Washington Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.
Events
Dear Christine and family– So sorry for your loss. You all and Joe continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as you adjust. May knowing that others care bring some comfort and peace. Blessings, Joyce
Sending our condolences to all the family. Joe was a great person. I remember him fixing an old lamp for me once. He will be greatly missed. Such a good person and a kind man. May he R.I.P. Christophe and Donna Swezey.
Christine, our hearts go out to you and your family in this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. Joe was a great man and very involved in the community. I knew some of the great groups and activities that Joe was involved in but, by no means all of them. From his obituary it was obvious that he cared much about the community and the people who live here. He also raised a large family of great kids who have moved on to serve their families and communities. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy and has touched many lives in a positive way.
So sorry for your loss! Sending love and prayers to the whole family!
My deepest condolences to the family. Joseph was definitely a busy guy and wanted to help people. This is a characteristic that you just do not see in a lot of people these days. Cherish all the memories. I’m sure there are many that you will remember throughout the years. 2Tim4:7 – “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.”
I met Joe in 1985 when I began my career with the Chamber. Joe truly loved his role in providing Christmas lights for the St. Marys community. Every ornament, wire and bulb was meticulously maintained and he knew precisely where everything went. He, and then his son, David and crew, worked tirelessly until Light-Up-Night for the culmination of all their efforts.
My relationship with Joe continued when I took on the role of President/Coordinator of Meals-On-Wheels. Again, Joe showed his devotion to this community by delivering hot meals to those who can’t prepare their own.
Thank you, Joe, for all your contributions.
Our condolences to the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Good people are like stars,
they continue to glow after they have gone out.
Because people we love stay forever,
because they live traces in our hearts.
Our sincere condolences on your loss.
Harald & Petra
So sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and your family. Your Dad left a wonderful legacy.
Christine and family,
Your father did so much for St. Marys. What a great man he was. May he rest in peace.
I’m so sorry I will not be able to make the viewing or funeral, but please know my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time.
My Aunt Christine Borton is very special to me and now I read where she gets her amazing heart. I honor you as I honor your father. You and your family are in my prayers.
He sure lived a life worth emulating! May his Kind soul rest in peace.
Christine and Family, May God comfort you.
Joe selflessly gave his time to make St. Marys a better place…..and he did so successfully.
Peggy and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ll always remember you and Joe’s adventure trips across the country and the maple tapping stories at PCM. You all are in my thoughts and prayers! Much love.
I dealt with Joe often down at B & R, what a great man! My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family.
So sorry for your loss. Joe was a great man. You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Dean, Mary, & Ryan Hanes
So sorry for your loss. Joe is a wonderful man. Peggy you are a wonderful and helpful wife. He was a great help at B&R.