Our hearts are grieving today as we lost our “Captain at the Helm” Donald George Hallahan. Adored by all who met him, Don was a spiritual and intellectual force with a nobility that guided his beloved family all his life. He was born in Evanston, Illinois on May 27th 1930. A resident of Longwood at Oakmont and Fox Chapel, Don passed at age 90 from complications of a fall.
Don was a respected leader in all he did. A life-long executive for Koppers Ltd., Don excelled at business as head of the International Division and later Hallahan International Group Ltd., garnering a global fan base spanning Frankfurt, Taipei, and Tehran some of whom who continued to work with Don at the ripe age of 89. He received an engineering degree from the University of Illinois, and an MBA from Northwestern. Don was president of his Delta Tau Delta fraternity, a high-ranking officer in the Navy during the Korean War, a Deacon of his church, and President of Forest Manor Association.
Don was a content, selfless and spiritual man with a huge heart. He felt blessed and lived a life of gratitude. He encouraged us to see through every day problems, to live outside ourselves and put our fellow man first. A merry trickster with a skill for prank calls, Don had a wicked and witty sense of humor that delighted his friends and family. He was a clarinet player, a “big band” lover of Benny Goodman, and could dance the night away with his bride. Passionate about bridge, chess, and fishing with his son, Don could often be found navigating a sailboat on Lake Michigan or his beloved Chesapeake Bay.
Don was predeceased by his parents, George William and Edna Caroline Marre’ Hallahan. He is survived by Cynthia Harkness Hallahan, beloved wife of 60 years and father to George William II (wife Sharon Hallahan of West Chester PA), and daughters Elizabeth Dempsey (husband F. Burke Dempsey) of Greenwich CT and Melissa Fairfield (husband Dr. Scott Fairfield) of Hingham, MA. Don was the delight of his five grandchildren, Colton and Walker Dempsey, and Mason, Slater, and Aubrey Fairfield, leading them aboard imaginary pirate ships and hosting secret club meetings. Sail on, dear Captain, to brighter shores. Until we are reunited, you will forever be moored in our hearts.
A small private outdoor service will be held at Christ Church Fox Chapel for friends and family on Monday September 21st, at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ Church Fox Chapel.
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