LEICESTER-Robert J. “Hal” Hallihan, 68, of Leicester, died Tuesday, July 18th, in his home after an illness. His wife of 41 years, Barbara A. (Berg) Hallihan died in 2003. He leaves 5 sons, Timothy J. Hallihan of Charlton, Patrick J. Hallihan of Worcester, Michael J. Hallihan of Leicester, James J. Hallihan of Woodbine, GA and William J. Silberstein of Auburn; 2 daughters, Kerry A. Obert of Worcester and Jamie A. Brown of Holden; a brother, Brian M. Hallihan of Shrewsbury; a sister, Maureen T. Hallihan of West Yarmouth; and 21 grandchildren. He was predeceased by 2 brothers, John P. Hallihan, Jr. and Emmett B. Hallihan.
He was born in Worcester, the son of John P. Hallihan Sr. and Josephine T. (Kiley) Hallihan. Mr. Hallihan was a graduate of Commerce High School, Worcester State College where he earned his BSE and MED and Cornell University, Ithica, NY where he earned his MST. He also obtained graduate credits at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI and Boston College. Mr. Hallihan was a teacher for a total of 41 years, starting at Nipmuc Regional High School in Mendon and Marshfield High School. He taught in Worcester Public Schools for 21 years, working at Burncoat Junior High School for 13 years and Doherty Memorial High School for 8 years. Mr. Hallihan also worked as an Adjunct Professor of Chemistry for 10 years at Quinsigamond Community College. He was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
The funeral is Friday, July 21st, with at service at 11:00 AM in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Thursday, July 20th, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriner’s Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.