Matthew J. "Brud" Halloran

WINSLOW -- Matthew J. "Brud" Halloran died at his cherished home in Winslow on May 14, 2009.

Matt was born and grew up in Albany, N.Y. He graduated from Siena College with a bachelor's degree in accounting that prepared him for a career in finance. After working in Detroit, owning a bicycle shop in Slippery Rock, Pa., and being a financial manager at Boeing Inc. in Dallas, he settled in Maine, where worked in social services, became a certified public accountant and eventually returned to accounting. He retired from the state Division of Accounting and Financial Services in August 2008.

Matt was proud to have served in the Army and was a commissioned officer in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Matt had a passion to make the world a better place. He successfully led the effort to create the first nuclear-free zone in New England. He was an active member of Save Our Sebasticook in an attempt to preserve the natural wildlife from being destroyed by the breeching of the Fort Halifax Dam. His belief to be a steward of the earth reflected in the way he took care of the land and the creatures that walked upon it. He loved and provided comfort to his many pets.

He was best known for his humor and ability to have fun. He loved well and played hard -- although he never mastered the hula hoop.

Those who will carry his spirit are his loving wife of 37 years, Jan Halloran; his sisters, Gerry Secor and Gail Motala; his father and mother-in-law, Joe and Mary Weronko; his brother-in-law, Rick Weronko; his nephews, Brian Secor and his wife, Trisha, and Scott Secor; and his nieces, Vikki Medrano and her husband, Arnie, Kelly Divinichi and her husband, Joe, Debbi Martinet and her husband, Bryant, and Denise Pazderski and her husband, Jim. He is also loved by several grandnephews and nieces and numerous friends and co-workers. He will be missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A wake will be held in his home at 901 Clinton Ave. on Friday, May 22. The viewing will be from 5 to 6 p.m. at which time the Honor Guard and firing party will perform a military ceremony honoring Matt's service to his country. At 6:30 p.m., a circle of love and friendship service will be held to honor his life. On Saturday, May 23, a Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. John's Church in Winslow. A graveside interment will take place at noon on May 29 at the new Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery on Mount Vernon Avenue in Augusta.

Prayer flags are requested to be sent or brought to his home with your "prayer of passing" written on them for the repose of his soul. Flowers may be brought or sent to his home for the wake as a reminder of his fondness for gardening. Donations may be sent to Sister Elizabeth Wagner at The Transfiguration Hermitage, 205 Windsor Neck Road, Windsor.

Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives Group, 198 Western Ave., Augusta, ME 04330; (207) 626-8100.