Jon Robert Halsall

Jon Robert Halsall, known to his New York family as "Bob", age 82, of Wilmington, NC passed away peacefully on November 14th at Bradley Creek Health Center. He was born on February 13, 1943 in Bronx, NY to parents Raymond and Phyllis Halsall. His family moved to Long Island, NY and his Bar Mitzvah was celebrated on March 2, 1956 at Temple Sinai of the South Shore in Bayshore, NY. Jon graduated from West Islip High School in 1960. Jon attended two years at the State University of New York Agricultural and Technical Institute at Farmingdale and graduated in 1962 with a Major in Business Technology. He then attended University of Kentucky, where he graduated in 1964 with a Degree in Business Administration. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity. He later attended American University and earned his Master's Degree in 1973.

Jon met the love of his life, Mary Alice Hinkebein, while attending University of Kentucky. Mary was from Louisville, KY and Jon met Mary through her younger sister, Louise. The couple married in 1964 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2014. Jon was an active member of the United States Army and he and Mary moved to Alexandria, VA during Vietnam when Jon was assigned to work at the The Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Jon and Mary laid their roots in Alexandria and had two daughters, Diane and Alice, and lived there until 2016. Jon was employed by General Services Administration of the US Federal Government and was Director of Quality Management and Training, Director of the Office of Administrative Programs and Support for GSA, and a District Branch Manager. He oversaw internal administration and helped develop the first "teleworking" policies and procedures, among other assignments. He retired with over 30 years of service.

Jon was a wonderful son, father, brother, father-in-law, husband, uncle, grandfather and friend. As a dad, he ensured his family always had everything they needed. He loved music, classic cars, a good bourbon and time spent with family and friends. His family spent summer vacations in Emerald Isle, NC and visited both sides of the family in Kentucky and New York for holidays. When his dear wife Mary was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1998, he shifted gears and became her top supporter, confidante, and together they helped raise thousands of dollars over the next 16 years for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Northern Virginia Chapter. They spoke to doctors and residents at area Universities and provided support and guidance to newly diagnosed women.

Jon moved to an apartment 3 miles from Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington, NC in 2016, two years after Mary's passing. He became a volunteer at the Cameron Art Museum, joined the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, joined his neighbors for Saturday morning community breakfasts, and attended dozens of music concerts performed by his son in law Ben. Jon enjoyed visiting Johnnie Mercer's Pier at Wrightsville Beach, taking long walks along the Cape Fear River, visiting Airlie Gardens, and spending every holiday with family.

Jon is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Phyllis Halsall and by his loving wife of fifty years, Mary Alice Halsall. He is survived by his younger brothers Dr. Thomas Halsall (Doreen) and Fredric Halsall (Paige) of Cortlandt Manor, NY and Norton, Massachusetts, respectively; daughters Diane Small (Rick) and Alice Moore (Ben) of Waynesboro, VA and Wilmington, NC, respectively; his granddaughter Jessica Spindler, and nephews Loren Halsall (Alexandra) and Paxton Halsall.

The family wishes to thank all the dedicated staff at Bradley Creek Health Center and staff of Lower Cape Fear Life Care for taking such good care of him during his last year of life.

The family will honor his wishes and gather at a later date for his interment at the Alexandria National Cemetery, next to his beloved wife, where they will both rest next to the river where it will run through eternity. He clearly had written in his 5 Wishes "I am now with my soulmate forever! Our love, spirits, and souls are intertwined in God, Heaven, and God's tree of life forever! My Pearl of a Girl is with her Joy of a Boy forever."

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lower Cape Fear Lifecare Hospice in memory of Jon R. Halsall, please see link below.

Jon's family has entrusted his care to Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403.