John Hallabrin

John David Hallabrin, Sr., 84, of Mansfield, died Friday evening March 11, 2005 at Oak Grove Manor. Born May 4, 1920 in Mansfield, he was the son of Michael and Christina Guetle Hallabrin. He retired in 1986 from the Ohio State Department of Insurance as a Certified Financial Examiner. Mr. Hallabrin was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church and served in the United States Marines during WWII, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. He served in all four major battles and was wounded in Saipan and Iwo Jima. He received two purple hearts and a Bronze Star. He was a member of the Retmans Club, Mansfield AARP, Mansfield Liederkranz, the Ohio State Alumni Club, the Varsity O Alumni Club, the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels; and Sigma Chi Fraternity. He was also a life member of the DAV Chapter 21, Mansfield, and Fourth Marine Division Association. A 1947 Ohio State University graduate, he played football in 1939, 1940, and 1941. He also played football with the Quantico Marines and the Maui Marines Football Team. Mr. Hallabrin was also inducted in the Mansfield City Schools Athletic Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife, of 57 years Mary Margaret Hallabrin; daughter, Sharon Ann Hallabrin of Mansfield; sister, Mary Bare of Mansfield; daughter-in-law, Kathy Hallabrin; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Nancy Taylor; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his grandpuppies, Lizzie and Corbin. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, John David Hallabrin, Jr.; sisters, Sue Auer, Christine Zahn, Theresa 'Dais' Orlow, and Betty Wagenhals Pataky; and brothers, Mike, Joe, and Fred Hallabrin.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday March 15, 2005 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday with Rev. Marilou Brook officiating. Military graveside services will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dave Hallabrin Athletic Scholarship Fund in care of Bank One.