1944
2018
Retired CMSgt John Patrick Halpin, a 35-year resident of San Antonio, passed away here on January 8, 2018 after a recent illness.
Halpin was born October 16, 1944 to Owen "Jack"and Rosemary (Fink) Halpin in Fairbury, Nebraska. He grew up in Bethpage, on Long Island, New York. After graduating high school, Halpin enlisted in the United States Air Forces, where he served over 24 years. A Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean linguist, he fulfilled a variety of roles during his active duty career from supervising airborne reconnaissance missions to managing worldwide intelligence operations, while garnering an impressive 25 Air Medals. After retirement from active duty, Halpin served another 26 years in the intelligence field with the Federal Civil Service in San Antonio, where he met his wife, Cathryn (Shearburn) Halpin. They were married in San Antonio on August 23, 1991.
Halpin was the patriarch of a large family which included 9 children and 16 grandchildren. He loved to fish and spend time outdoors, and coached and mentored his sons through little league baseball, football, basketball, and soccer. He was a devoutly loyal sports fan who followed the teams of his various homes, including the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the New York Giants, the San Antonio Spurs, and his beloved Brooklyn/L.A. Dodgers. He loved animals and tended a menagerie which included cats, dogs, parrots, and lizards. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his many grandchildren.
Halpin is preceded in death by his parents, sister Rosemary Halpin, son Kyle Halpin, and niece Allison (Shoemaker) Bingeman. He is survived by his wife, children Jay Tinkler (Jennifer), Karol Tinkler Kunz (Doug), John Halpin (Shana), Jack Halpin (Jenny), James Halpin (Sandra), Jason Halpin (Sarah Reyes), Nick Halpin (Jena), Matt Halpin (Alexandra Stone), daughter-in-law Priscilla de la Fuente, nephews Gerry Bingeman (Lara), and Patrick Bingeman, and niece Dani Bingeman.
He was extremely proud of his sixteen grandchildren: Payton and Haley Spreen, Andrew, Abraham, Jasmine, Izzy, Xavier, Hank, Samuel, Elise, Roman, Joshua, Charlie, Jacob, and Thaddeus Halpin, and Conor Tinkler.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 16, from 6-9 pm at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road in San Antonio. Chapel services will be held Wednesday, January 17, at 10 am, also at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, followed by graveside services at Resurrection Cemtery, 11624 Culebra Road in San Antonio.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that memorials be made to St. Jude's Children's
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Sunset Northwest Funeral Home.
December 1, 2022
Work
John Renz
Please attach this photo of John to my earlier tribute. John in Crete in 1983, HQ ESC CSET
November 30, 2022
Work
John & Ann Renz
I was privileged to work with John during 1982-1985 while a member of the Electronic Security Command's Standardization and Evaluation Team in San Antonio, TX. John was an inspiration to all of us, and his professionalism was unsurpassed. I'm proud to have served in the Air Force with him. Equally proud for the wonderful condolences written by Steve Casto and Olivia Dominguez. May he rest in peace! SMSgt John D. Renz - Retired (Crown Point, IN)
July 12, 2022
Rick Dent
Sorry to see this. I worked for John on Okinawa in 1972-73. We flew sorties while Hanoi was being bombed. John was a nice guy and good at his craft.
January 17, 2018
Friend
Randy Hinojosa
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Youll be missed but not forgotten. Your friend Randy Hinojosa and family
January 17, 2018
Olivia Dominguez
My deepest condolences to Chief Halpin's family. I had the pleasure of working with Chief Halpin at Security Hill for many years. He was a very intelligent, kind, and witty individual who was respected and liked by all. He was definitely a genius in his field and a mentor to many other personnel. May you rest in peace Chief Halpin.
January 16, 2018
William Wuerzberger
I flew with John when he was a "Dogger" and when he was a "MiMi"
A pure professional with a wonderful snarky and intelligent humor, although we were not super close I will miss him greatly. Too many old "friends" departing and John was definitely one. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
William "WU" Wuerzberger
January 16, 2018
Edward Jolly
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Halpin family. John was a very good friend of mine and he will be missed. I worked with John on Security Hill for many years and he was a great person and would do anything to help you. With deepest condolences to the family. John was a friend to have and work with. Rest In Peace John.
Chief Edward Jolly, Jr (Retired) (San Antonio TX)
January 15, 2018
William Forst
It was my pleasure to work with John on security hill. He was a good friend and someone we all will miss. My sincere condolences to his wife and family.
January 15, 2018
Greg Mahoney
Dear Cathy: Our deepest sympathies to you and entire family. We worked together for many years at the HQ in Current Operations and John was great to work with. He provided a level of stability to the mission during the many reorganizations we endured over the years. He was the most knowledgeable person in his field and John mentored many, both junior and senior personnel coming to him for advice. He was a personal friend and we enjoyed many good times together. RIP Silent Warrior.
January 15, 2018
Steve Staycoff
It was a great honor to work with John over the years. A consummate intel professional that selflessly shared knowledge and wisdom. He will never be forgotten. Condolences to the family.
January 15, 2018
Carlos Rodriguez
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
With deepest condolences...
Carlos & Sabrina Rodriguez
January 15, 2018
Walter (Rosie) and Mickey Rosenstrom
Our thoughts and prayers are with Cathryn and the family. John was one of the very best in our business both in the military and as a civilian. He was a kind and generous man who took the task at hand seriously. At a time in our nation's history when we needed that hard-working, ethical approach, John provided that in our corner of the war. I'm proud to be his friend and colleague. RIP, old warrior.
January 14, 2018
Lonnie Henderson
I SAW AN EAGLE FLY
I saw an eagle fly...
...lookin' west
toward the Texas Hill Country
'bout six in the morning
Calm January day
Clear, no clouds
I saw an eagle fly...
...effortlessly
riding the currents
Soaring above all
Majestic
Supreme
I saw an eagle fly...
...and that eagle
looked a lot like
J O H N H A L P I N
FLY LONG, FLY HIGH, SILENT WARRIOR
FOREVER ON WATCH,
FOREVER ON ORBIT
The Prop Wash Gang
January 9, 2018
Composed by
Lonnie Henderson
January 14, 2018
Steve Casto
Our thoughts and prayers go out to John's family. I first met John in 1974 in Okinawa. Flew some sorties with him while at the 6990th. We ended up working together in San Antonio while on the Command Standardization and Evaluation Team (CSET). Spent many many hours working side by side with John during our CSET visits from 1980 to 1983. Back to work together, after retiring from USAF, at ISN in 1987/88 time frame. From ISN, John went the Civil Service route and I went to E-Systems in Greenville, TX. I considered John to be a good friend. I regret not keeping in touch with him.
January 14, 2018
Roslind Washington
Sorry for your loss.
January 14, 2018
Lori Forte
Our Heart Goes out to you Cathy & Family, Thank You for Sharing a little piece of your life with John, through these pictures. They are absolutely amazing, and so, so precious. What a Wonderful Family. God Bless You. Love Lori
January 13, 2018
Mary & Steve Havel
Condolences to the entire Halpin family. Praying for the repose of his soul and for the family's comfort and peace. What a beautiful legacy he leaves behind in his children and grandchildren!
January 13, 2018
Jim and Sandi Arduini
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Cathy, and your entire family. Although we never met John, he sounds like a truly amazing person and will leave an empty space in the hearts of many.
January 13, 2018
Louis Gershman
John was a true patriot. I've worked with John since 1992. He was always the professional and a real gentleman. My life has been enriched knowing John.
Louis Gershman, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force (Retired)
January 13, 2018
Gary Carpenter
My condolences to the family. John stood tall among fliers back in the 60s and early 70s when I served with him. He was a person many will fondly remember.
January 12, 2018
Ron Moyer
My condolences to the family. Worked around John for many years in the Hqs.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Jan
16
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunset Northwest Funeral Home6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, TX 78238
Jan
17
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