John E Halpin

Was born in New York City on May 29, 1937 and died on Nov. 2, 2015 at age 78 after experiencing many health problems.

He leaves his loving wife of 30 years, Martha Petrash, devoted son, John Jr., daughter-in-law, Danielle Fern, and two adoring grandchildren – Alex Carleton and Amelia Elise. John’s older son, Carleton, died of Cystic Fibrosis in 1998 at age 33. John also leaves his extended family, the Noonans, whom he loved. John drew inspiration from all of his friends, many of whom were friends of Bill W., as well as colleagues and clients he respected and enjoyed working with during his long and distinguished legal career.

John was part of the East Side House Settlement in Yorkville when he was a child. It was there that he received a full scholarship to Middlebury College from philanthropist, Mr. Carroll Stollenwerck. John also received a master’s degree in social work from Columbia University and his law degree from Fordham University School of Law. In addition to his legal practice, for many years he was an adjunct professor at Hunter College.

John helped start Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) 52 years ago, to help low-income students achieve college educations and enter the professional world. SEO has successfully helped thousands of young people.

John proudly ran nine marathons, seven of them in New York City, and rode horses in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ireland. He particularly enjoyed riding a horse in the St. Patrick’s Day parade and said he loved to doff his hat to the Cardinal, who stood outside of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

There will be a wake at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Ave. at 81st St. on Friday, November 6th from 2-5 PM and 7-9 PM and a Mass of Christian Burial at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, 980 Park Avenue at 84th St. on Saturday, November 7th at 10AM.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please send a contribution to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, P.O. Box 52074, Phoenix, AZ 85072 or to Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, 55 Exchange Place, New York, NY 10005.