NORWICH – Townsend R. Hallahan, 88, of Norwich, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at his home.
Born July 26, 1923 in Brooklyn, Townsend was the son of William H. and Berenice E. (Lyons) Hallahan. He was educated at Erasmus High School in Brooklyn and St. John’s University. Townsend served with the 15th Army Air Force in Italy during World War II.
Townsend married the late Lorraine E. (John) Hallahan in Florida. He spent the early years of his marriage in engineering and manufacturing positions in Florida, Long Island and Wilton, Connecticut. In September of 1967 he relocated to Norwich to take a position as General Manager of the Shelburne Industries plant in Greene. He subsequently worked in engineering positions at the Norwich Shoe Company and General Laboratories in Norwich. He also spent many years as a self-employed management consultant in the U.S. and abroad.
Townsend and Lorraine loved to travel and visited most of the fifty states in addition to Europe and Latin America. He particularly enjoyed sharing water sports with his family. His hobby was family genealogy, which he pursued for many years.
Townsend is survived by his four children and their spouses, George W. Hallahan of Keene, N.H., Richard G. Hallahan of Littleton, Colo., Patricia M. and John Rutan and Barbara E. and Mark Collins, all of Norwich. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and his brothers and sisters-in-law, William H. Hallahan III of Cherry Hill, N.J., Dion P. and Marie Hallahan of New York City and Michael P. and Kathryn Hallahan of Brooklyn. Sister-in-law Edna Hallahan of East Islip, Long Island, and many nieces and nephews also survive. He was predeceased by his brothers Harry W. and Gregory D. Hallahan, sister, Elizabeth M. Sellers and sister-in-law Alice Hallahan.
Graveside and military services for Townsend will be held at a later date in Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn. There will be no calling hours.
Contributions in memory of Townsend may be made to the American Lung Association.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.