David John Halaiko

Rev. Fr. David Halaiko, 84, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Father David was born April 3, 1941. To Andrew and Esther (Kline) Halaiko in Akron and had been an area resident his entire life. He attended St. Vincent and St. Sebastian Grade Schools, St. Vincent High School, Maryknoll Minor Seminary, Borromeo College and St. Mary Seminary. He was ordained by Bishop Clarence Issemman May 20, 1967.

Father was assigned to St. Ann Parish in Cleveland Heights, St. Mark Parish Cleveland and St. Paul Parish in Akron. The creation of a new Catholic parish in southern Summit County was begun when the Cleveland Diocese purchased nine acres of property at the corner of Killian and Myersville Roads on November 24th, 1976. Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Chapel was founded on July 1st, 1977, by the decree of Bishop James Hickey. As the newly appointed administrator, Father David served as the Pastor until his retirement January 1, 2017.

He also served on the Diocesan Building Commission since 1979, served as the District Chair of Summit South, and as Chaplain of Knights of Columbus Council 4664. He was a licensed tour guide for Holy Land Pilgrimages as well as the author of a guidebook for the Pilgrimages and a pictorial study of every Catholic church in Summit County. He was qualified as a bi-ritual celebrant in the Byzantine Rite.

Father David is preceded in death by his parents and sister and brother-in-law Kathryn and Carl Lammlein. He is survived by his nieces and nephews Christine Lammlein, Joseph (Brenda) Lammlein, Sharon Lammlein, and Daniel (Stephanie) Lammlein. Great nieces and nephews Kelly Kreinbrink, Thomas (Alexis) Kreinbrink, Lauren (Mike) Pawelkowski, Alexander Lammlein, Jack Lammlein, and Sage Lammlein. Great-great nephews Kaden Jackson, TJ Kreinbrink, and Vaughn Pawelkowski.

Services will begin Wednesday, March 11, 2026, with Vesper Service at 3:00 pm in Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, 2425 Myersville Rd, Akron, OH 44312 and will continue with visitation until 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:00 am in the Church. A reception will follow the Mass with interment services at 2:30 pm at Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent. In lieu of flowers, please make remembrances to Nativity Maintenance Fund at the above address.