(l to r) Tom Hesse, Fr. Halpin, Doug Griffin
Very few men touched as many lives as did Rev. John P. Halpin.
Whether it was consoling patients in hospitals, giving advice to teenage boys, seving as spiritual advisor for a multitude of organizations, Fr. Halpin was always there with a ready smile, a handshake, a "how are you?" Knights of Columbus all over New York State claimed him as their very own.
Fr. Halpin was born in Brooklyn and attended Cathedral College in Brooklyn, and Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington. He was ordained in 1954, and served at St. Thomas the Apostle in West Hempstead and St. Joseph's in Hewlett. In 1971 he was appointed Pastor for St. Rosalies in Hampton Bays. In October 1976 he was transferred to St. John of God Church in Central Islip, where he remained until his death.The Pastor he succeeded at St. John of God, Rev. Thomas P. Curry, himself a Sir Knight in the Fourth Degree, was transferred to St. Martha's in Uniondale to succeed another Sir Knight, Rev. John J. Byrne.
Fr Halpin, too, was a Sir Knight, having served as Faithful Friar for Cardinal Mercier Assembly. He was also the only Chaplain in the 39 year history of the Nassau Suffolk Chapter, as well as Chaplain for their Columbiettes. He was also State Prior of Youth for the New York State Squires Circle. Very few priests ever served in the position of Grand Knight, but Fr. Halpin did, and for two years, from 1998-2000 as Grand Knight for Rev, James V, Rogan Council in Central Islip. And even fewer priests served as District Deputy, which Father Halpin was for 2000-2001 for New York State's 7th District. He also administered to the spiritual needs of the Pilgrim Psychiactric Center, and was Chaplain for both the Central Islip and Wyandanch Fire Departments
Despite his busy schedule, Fr. Halpin was known as a jovial man who enjoyed the company of his fellow Knights. At the Nassau Suffolk Chapter's annual Fraternal Weekend, he served as bartender with members of Robert W. Powell Council, as shown above.
After a long battle with throat cancer, Rev. John P. Halpin passed away on August 24, 2002. His funeral was August 27th, 2002. May God have mercy on his soul.
