John P. Halaburda

John P Halaburda passed away January 28th at the age of 99 at Elderwood in Ticonderoga. He was born to Joseph Stanley Halaburda and Louise Barrett Halaburda  July 27th 1925 in Port Henry New York. He was married to the love of his life, Doris Muriel Kelly, who predeceased him August 30, 2013.

He lived most of his childhood growing up in Port Henry  NY and in Mineville NY in later years.

John will be remembered by his family as a gentle giant among men as he was filled with kindness, patience, warmth and a love for his country. He often told the story how, when World War II broke out,  he took the  bus to Albany NY at the age of 17  to join the Coast Guard and only after he enlisted he informed his parents of what he had done. He made lifelong friends in the Coast Guard and they were known as the four H”s as their last names all began with the letter H. John  was a radarman man on the USS Belfast and his name is engraved on a brick in the  sidewalk memorial in Baltimore Harbor in Maryland.

After the war he worked in the mines in Mineville for many years and when the mines closed, he was employed by MSHA- Mine Safety Health Administration- and  travelled throughout the Midwest.

John will always be remembered for his love of music and always reminisced about playing his saxophone at  “Bulwagga Bay” with his friends. Those were fond memories for him.

After he retired, they decided to spend the winter months in Myrtle Beach. He enjoyed walking on the beach and all the friends that they acquired.

In his time of illness, he never waivered from his unique personality of pleasantness . He was always ready to make light of any situation with a joke, smile and a bright light shining upon his face.

He was predeceased by his only sibling- Joseph Halaburda from Utah.

John is survived by his son, John and Sue Halaburda and family and his two daughters Diane Morgan and family and Maryann Manaher and family.

He will be greatly missed by his children, 14 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren.

He will be forever loved- my father-my hero- my best friend. I love you Dad. Rest in peace.

Harland Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

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