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JOHN HASLINGER Obituary
HASLINGER JOHN PAUL HASLINGER (Age 69) John Haslinger considered himself a ridiculously fortunate person. He was. And so were all of us who were lucky enough to know and love him. John grew up in Greenbelt, MD and credited his childhood there for giving him a deep sense of community and many lifelong friendships. He attended St. Hugh's School and DeMatha High School. Following four years in the Air Force, including a year of service in Vietnam, he received a BA in Education from the University of MD and a Masters in Counseling from Bowie State University. John was proud of being an educator. He loved his students and respected his colleagues. Much of his 36-year career in the Prince George's County Public School System was spent in Langley Park, a community to which he was devoted. John had an amazing gift for friendship. He appreciated people for who they were and gathered people to himself with his generosity, good humor and kindness. He enjoyed robust political debate. He believed strongly in democracy and that true patriotism allowed for the expression of dissent. John loved being out in nature: birding, gardening, being at the beach. He loved NPR, photography, and traveling with his beloved Betsy to State Capitals. Born into a large family, John loved nothing better than to share stories and laughter with them. John loved his many nieces and nephews who each felt that they were his favorite, and each was correct. John passed away peacefully at home of colo-rectal cancer on Tuesday, October 14, 2014. Beloved husband of Betsy Mewshaw; son of the late Joseph T. and Henrietta P. Haslinger; brother of Robert (Karen), Henry, Thomas (Joanne Colt), Henrietta Bradley, Joan Mohan (the late John), Nancy (Jim Johnson), Mary Rogers (Greg), Andrea (Gary Solis) and the late Reverend Joseph T. Haslinger. Mass of the Christian Burial at St. Hugh of Grenoble Church, 135 Crescent Road, Greenbelt on Saturday, October 18 at 11 a.m. Family will greet friends starting at 10:30 a.m. Interment at Greenbelt Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Washington School for Girls (washingtonschoolforgirls.org) and/or DeMatha High School (dematha.org). If nicknames are a sign of affection, John was truly loved. In his life, he was known as Johnny, John Paul, JP, John T., Auntie John, Slinger, Mr. Haslinger, Slutch and Biff. A good man, by any name, whom we will always love and always miss. www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.comwww.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN HASLINGER
Marcus Walker
January 15, 2024
I was sitting down in my living room today Monday Jan 15, 2024, watching videos on YouTube. Then this random thought of my counselor from my elementary school that I attended, called " Columbia Park Elementary school". Which I attended from kindergarten to 6th grade from mid to late 80's. It has been many times that I have had conversations , with Mr.Haslinger, and before we parted ways he would always make me laugh or smile. I would have to go to Mr.Haslinger, sometimes for retaliating and getting caught getting back at the student who started to mess with me first. I could always tell that Mr.Haslinger knew that I wasn't a trouble maker, he would always calm me down and send me back to class. I always thought that Mr.Haslinger belonged on TV shows like sesame Street. Mr.Haslinger also had his own little magic tricks to make students smile, like making a ball disappear and reappear. Swipe his face and it goes from happy to sad, and then from sad to happy when he swiped his face again by moving his hand over his face. I know Mr.Haslinger was a good man and I was a child at the time of knowing him. I looked him up today and found that he has passed. I don't know why a thought of Mr.Haslinger came to mind, but I do wish I had met up with him again while I am an adult. Go with God Mr.Haslinger. May all of your loved ones and family be blessed...
Joan Marie Rooks
October 11, 2023
I knew his parents and his extraordinary brother, Rev Joseph Haslinger but I heard about John & his terrifice life and personality. I pray he is reunited with his great parents and his beloved brother Joe
Joan Marie Rooks from Wash. DC
January 28, 2023
I did not have the pleasure of knowing John Paul Haslinger but I was a good friend of Rev Joseph Thomas Haslinger who came to our home almost every Sunday for dinner. His loss at age 39 is still mourned by all those who remain who knew this great, learned and kind priest. We miss you Father Joe.
Bobby (Oats) Holland
October 11, 2022
I miss you John. I wish you were here to help my granddaughter with hereschool the way you help my children. Love you Slinger.
Bobby/Oats Holland
October 11, 2021
Loved John like a brother. Will cherish his friendship as long as I live.
Bob Hewitt
October 11, 2020
A terrific guy that I still miss.
Mark Gerring
December 4, 2018
Plain and simple one of the best, nicest person on earth.
October 30, 2014
I was in the classroom at DeMatha High with John and it was an honor to know John. God bless John and his family. bob oswald
Kathy Lundregan Gregory
October 23, 2014
John was a wonderful man and I am truly sorry for your loss. I consider myself very lucky to have grown up near the wonderful Haslinger family and to have had an opportunity to know John. My sincere condolences.
Deena Baker
October 22, 2014
you were an angel on earth and now in Heaven
Alan Vaughn
October 22, 2014
I will always miss this man.
Christine D'Esposito
October 22, 2014
Johnny was a great friend to my father, Steve D'Esposito. A jovial and loving person, always ready to joke and smile. I will always remember the toast her gave at my father's 60th. What a guy!
Peggy Salvan-McCrystal
October 21, 2014
I grew up in Greenbelt, just down the street from the Haslinger Family. John was just a little tot as I remember since I am ten years his senior. I am so sorry to hear of his death and my prayers and sincere condolances to his siblings. Peggy Salvan McCrystal.
Dan Kosisky
October 20, 2014
God Bless the Haslinger Family. The Kosiskys.
October 20, 2014
I met and worked with John when I started In Prince Georges County Public Schools in 1998: A kind and generous man,always willing to help and give good advice and assistance. I missed him when he retired and now will miss him more even though I have not seen him for many years. I miss that smile. Thanks for sharing him with me. May God bless and comfort you, his wife and all his relatives.
Clarelyn Nelson-Genias
Professional School Counselor
Prince Georges County Public School
October 20, 2014
While in the 3rd grade at Langley Park ES I remember him making me stand with my nose against the wall in the cafeteria because I talked too much in the line. Once I became a School Counselor with him, I often joked about that when I saw him at our counselor meetings. He was truly a gentle giant and he will be missed.
Dr. Harris, PGCPS School Counselor
October 19, 2014
He may have left this earth, but his spirit and our memories will be with us forever!
Teeny
Joy Exiner
October 19, 2014
Haslinger loved Big Macs, he would write when he was in Vietnam and asked, how many millions have they sold now? he always made me laugh.
Joy Exiner
October 19, 2014
Big John, big heart, great guy, very generous soul. When John first came back from Vietnam, we'd be driving along in his little VW, any loud noise and he'd drive off the road and run for cover, then he'd laugh, climb back in the car, never could figure out how such a big guy got into just a small car, and off we'd go. God bless Haslinger, see you on the rebound my friend.
Chris Kunzman
October 19, 2014
Betsey, I'm Mary's sister-in-law (Greg's sister). I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Dr. G
October 19, 2014
Each time we were in John's presence we felt connected to a source of life giving energy. John's memory will continue to nourish all who posess it.
Roberta Smith
October 18, 2014
On behalf of the Vietnam Security Police Association, our Brothers and Sisterhood, remembering a Wonderful Life, in Tribute...in Sorrow...With Sympathy to you and your family.
Kay Lynott Kennedy
October 18, 2014
John was a great joy to be around, always upbeat and kind. The world has lost another great man! Kay and George Kennedy
Regina (Reggie) Stansbury
October 18, 2014
John Haslinger touch the lives of so many, mine included! It is with a heavy heart that I bid you farewell. You will always be missed and never forgotten!
Regina (Reggie) Stansbury
October 18, 2014
John Haslinger touched the lives of so many, mine included. It is with a heavy heart that I bid you farewell; you will always be missed and never forgotten!
754 Salt Pond
Janice & Bill Jainnini
October 18, 2014
Betsy so sorry to hear of your loss. Didn't know John long, but we knew he was a great guy. We will miss seeing him outside with his garden and birds at Bethany Beach. God now has a great soul in heaven!
Shannon Scott
October 18, 2014
I couldn't have asked for better "back door" neighbors. I appreciate the kindness shown to me by John as I made my way to this neighborhood 13 years ago. How happy I was to share my mom's ferns with you that still grow in your yard. I feel lucky to have known you, even for a short time. You will be missed.
My thoughts are with you, Betsy.
Your neighbor, Shannon
Bruce Goeckeritz
October 18, 2014
Betsy, our condolences to you and John's family. We think of you often and our thoughts are with you especially, now at this difficult time. We know you miss him. Bruce and Rita.
John and Sammy
joanna rooney
October 17, 2014
John and Jack
joanna rooney
October 17, 2014
John and Jack
joanna rooney
October 17, 2014
John and Braden
joanna rooney
October 17, 2014
Betsy and John
joanna rooney
October 17, 2014
The Nha Trang Gang. Destin Florida 2012
Larry Fleming
October 17, 2014
Gloria Obrien
October 17, 2014
A bright light is shining in heaven right now whose name is Mr. John Haslinger. We who are left behind are just a little dimmer. We will always remember you John.
You have made us all better people for having known you.
Peg Hyland
October 17, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear of your passing John Paul, but I will always remember our days playing in 14 Court. The Hylands and the Haslingers were a great group of kids! God bless you.
They make this world a better place!
Don Thomas
October 17, 2014
John... we miss you! Tearfully I write this. I'll always remember your wit, your smile, your being on the side of social equality for all, your gardening skills, your ability to collect and collect (per Betsy), and your perfect choice in choosing Betsy as your life long companion! Who else would make others laugh and smile and feel welcomed to the very end? Thanks for sharing that and much more with me. Here is one of my favorite pics of you and Betsy. With all your friends and family... you are leaving Betsy in good hands... LOVE YOU JOHN! .... Don
October 17, 2014
slinger ....glad you came out to vegas and shared some of my best,funniest vegas times......thank you ....
Steve and Amy D'Esposito
October 17, 2014
Such a fine man. A joy to all who knew him. John lived and loved well. We were blessed for having known him. For being able to call him "friend."
Be at peace, John (Slinger). Have a good rest and smile down on us from time-to-time. We'll see you on the flip side. Without a doubt.
Regina Geraci
October 17, 2014
My deepest condolences to Betsy and the whole Haslinger clan. John Paul was a very special person and will not be forgotten. Love and prayers....
Steve and Amy D'Esposito
October 17, 2014
Have we known a finer man? Likely not. We will miss you, John and will remember your good and gracious heart. You were a joy in our lives and we are grateful to have known you and called you "friend." Our lives are diminished by your absence now, but oh, how happy we are to know that you are free and whole in Spirit. Look down on us and laugh! We'll see you on the flip side! ??. Steve and Amy
Phil Breen
October 17, 2014
I met John when we worked together as volunteer teaching assistants for a citizenship training class at Montgomery College / Takoma Park in spring 2013. He was a big man with a big heart. He had a marvelous ability to connect in an instant with every individual no matter what their language or culture.
October 17, 2014
Johnny, you are loved, missed and will always be in our hearts and minds. Our prayers are with the family and friends back East. Love, Susie and Randy Mason
Lee Mewshaw
October 17, 2014
I don't know what I can say about John Haslinger that hasn't already been said. I loved my brother-in-law like a brother and I will miss him greatly.
Paul Hyland
October 17, 2014
Sending deepest condolences on the passing of John Paul. He was Robert (Bob's) little brother back in 14 Court and often tagged along with us.
Dottie Padgett
October 17, 2014
To one that will never be forgotten. John Paul was a special person indeed
Kitzi Taylor
October 17, 2014
Sending consolations to all of the Haslingers, a quantum number, and faith in the promise of Eternal Life. May the love of friends and family ease your hearts and give you strength at this time. My brother, Pat Cawley, also sends warm regards.
Bob Hewitt
October 17, 2014
Just a wonder guy to know. Guys like him don't come along every day. I was lucky that respect
Steve Gattis
October 17, 2014
John served in the US Air Force as an Air Policeman and Security Policeman. He served with honor at Nha Trang Air Base in the Republic of South Vietnam in 1967-68. He was a Charter Member of the Vietnam Security Police Association where he would gather with many of his buddies who served with him at Nha Trang Air Base. They call themselves the "Nha Trang Gang" and they celebrate their brotherhood with funny stories about a tough time in their lives, often including testimonials from the heart.
I met John at our reunions and will always remember his sense of brotherhood and his devotion to his fellow man. We have lost a brother and will always remember him for his service and friendship, for his willing smile and the great memories he brought to the Vietnam Security Police Association. He will be missed. We shall always remember him because our world has lost a very fine man.
John Bridge
October 17, 2014
John was in the top 1% of people doing the right thing to help others, but he was the very best at finding humor in everyday things and making time for friends and family. July 8th is going to be my new holiday to reach out to old friends and make someone laugh.
George (Bobby/Oats) Holland
October 17, 2014
In childhood John was as good a friend as one could hope for and even better as an adult.
Jacqueline Alonzo
October 17, 2014
Mr. Haslinger was a wonderful, teacher. He always kept us eager to learn with his ethusiatic spirit! He made learning so much fun for me almost 32 years ago and I can truly say that he is and always will be my favorite teacher! Love You and God Bless You Mr. Haslinger.
Mike Kerr
October 17, 2014
I remember John as an "upper classman" at St. Hugh's Elementary School in Greenbelt. My recollection is of a truly happy young man, almost always smiling. From everything I've read, he stayed that way throughout his life. I went to elementary school with his sister Nancy and have come to know his brother Bob on Facebook. The entire Haslinger family can take solace in John's life and accomplishments. My deepest sympathy to John's whole family. Mike Kerr
James Adomanis
October 17, 2014
Sorry for your loss Bob and looking forward to seeing you and the family tomorrow at St. Hugh's. Never knew he was an educator before. Take Care.
Kathleen Haker Scott
October 17, 2014
So sorry to see one of the high'lights' of my childhood, has passed. Johnny was a part of my idyllic childhood in Greenbelt. I still tell Johnny stories. With sympathy from Kathleen Haker Scott and my Mom, Frances Haker.
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