Joseph M. Hallinen

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.