Final Patrol: Lt. Col. Michael K Halloran (Retired)

On Sun, Jun 13, 2021 at 11:17 AM <Ed Culhane> wrote:

It is my sad duty to report that Lt. Col. Michael K Halloran, a/k/a "Iron Mike" has gone on his final patrol. He passed yesterday from cancer. Details re services are pending arrangements, a wake will be held on Wed. 16 June and Church services on Thurs. 17 June. Both will be local to his home. Obituary details will appear in the Leader Herald, Gloversville NY (Attn: F/ Sgt. Betts Please arrange for an Honor Guard for Col. Halloran. THX ed c) Sadly Ed Culhane

Obituary:

Michael Kevin Halloran passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Sunday, June 13th 2021. He died at home surrounded by his adoring family following a very brief illness. Mike was born on November 7th, 1934 in Yonkers, NY. He was the youngest child of Thomas and Clara Halloran (Kelly) and was raised on Andrews Avenue in the Bronx Borough of New York City and later in Katonah NY.

Upon graduating from Katona High School in 1952 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and was stationed in Korea following the cessation of hostilities in the Korean War. Upon the completion of his service, he was honorably discharged and enrolled in Boston College to study History. There he was elected class president and played football.

In 1958 Mike left Boston College and returned to New York City where he worked on Wall Street before deciding upon a career in law enforcement. In July of 1959, he joined the New York State Police and quickly established himself as a tough, no-nonsense hardworking Trooper and quickly earned the nickname “Iron Mike.”

“Iron Mike” served the people of New York State over his 30 year career with distinction. He rose through the ranks of the State Police serving in both the BCI and uniform force. He made Lieutenant in 1971, Captain in 1975, Major in 1981, Staff Inspector in 1984 and Lieutenant Colonel in 1987. In this final capacity, he was placed in charge of the entire uniform force of New York State as Assistant Deputy Superintendent until his retirement in September of 1989.

In September of 1961, Mike married Gladys Farrell of Brewster, New York. Their growing family moved from Brewster to Northville, New York in the summer of 1971. Over the next 37 years, he lived out a childhood family dream of raising horses, cows, pigs, turkeys and chickens in the county. He loved working with his hands outdoors and with the help of his built-in crew of seven children, toiled on the land every chance he got.

Mike had many hobbies over the years. He was an accomplished artist and woodworker, and a voracious reader and consumer of information throughout his life. With a near photographic memory, he could quote Shakespeare and other classics for hours without hesitation. He also enjoyed gardening, music, hunting and fishing.

Above all else, Mike was completely devoted to his wife of 59 years and to his seven children, seventeen grandchildren, and three great grandchildren (with two more on the way!) He was a great conversationalist, story and joke teller. His ability to impart faith, wisdom, practicality and levity to any situation was a blessing for those who knew him. To know him was to love him and he will forever be in our hearts and minds.

Michael was predeceased by his father Thomas, mother Clara, brother Thomas, and sisters Patricia and Mary. He is survived by his wife Gladys, children; Michael Jr. (Elaine), John, Paul (Marlene), Judith Scunziano (Michael), Daniel (Jeanne), Thomas (Hanna), and David (Joanne)

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, June 16th at Halgas Funeral Home on Rt 29 in Broadalbin, New York from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. There will be a Catholic Burial Mass at St. Francis of Assisi in Northville on Thursday, June 17th at 11:00 am. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Mike’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org