John Hallahan

MANCHESTER -- John Joseph Hallahan, 80, of Manchester, died June 14, 2008, at Villa Crest Nursing and Retirement Home.

He was born August 12, 1927, in Dorchester, Mass., to Jeremiah and Helen (Fitzgerald) Hallahan. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He graduated from Boston College and completed a master's degree in library science at Simmons College. In 1951 he moved to Norwalk, Conn., and from 1955 to 1966 was the director of Norwalk Public Library and in 1963 was voted Man of the Year for his community involvement.

He moved to Manchester and was the director of Manchester City Library for 25 years and was instrumental in setting up the computer system for the library, developing West Side Branch and the formation of Manchester Inter Library Cooperative. He was on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross, the VNA and the New Hampshire Chess Association, where he had competed nationally. Following his retirement he traveled the world.

IN HIS LIFE: Mr. Hallahan is survived by his wife, Julia E. (Sarjeant) Hallahan, of Manchester; children, Frances "Frank" B. Hallahan and his wife Sharon of Falls Church, Va., Bill I. Hallahan and his wife Pam Triest-Hallahan of Nashua, Gerry J. Hallahan and his wife Ann of Hooksett, Marie G. Patrick and her husband Steven of Concord, and Tom G. Hallahan of Manchester; sister Eileen Hallahan of Brookfield, Mass., nine grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Raymond, in 1957; a brother, Frank Hallahan; and two sisters, Sister Marie Margaret Hallahan and Margie Hurley. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the Staff of Villa Crest for their loving care.

SERVICES: Calling hours are Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. at Goodwin Funeral Home, 607 Chestnut Street. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 575 Candia Road. Burial with military honors will follow at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen.

Memorial contributions may be sent to American Red Cross 1800 Elm Street, Manchester 03104. For more information or to sign the online guestbook go to www.goodwinfh.com.