Joseph Roland Hallee

Joseph Roland Hallee, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Saint Patrick's Manor in Framingham, Massachusetts. Born in Waterville, Maine on January 30, 1933, he was the son of Adrien E. and A. Adrienne (Bourgoin) Hallee. Joe was raised on the family farm in Waterville, Maine where he spoke only French until entering primary school. His family later moved to Pittsfield, Maine, where his father owned a Chevrolet dealership, igniting Joe’s lifelong devotion to Chevrolets.

After his graduation from the Maine Central Institute with the class of 1951, Joe enlisted with the National Guard. Later, in February of 1953, Joe continued to serve his country by proudly enlisting in the United States Air Force. Joe began his basic training at the Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi before heading overseas to Japan, where he worked in the radar maintenance division. He spent two years abroad during the Korean War before his honorable discharge in August of 1956 with the rank of Airman First Class.

Upon his return home, inspired by one of the military chaplains, Joe began formation as a seminarian. Joe began his rigorous training to join the priesthood in the religious studies program at the Saint Philip Neri School in Boston, Massachusetts. Joe continued his spiritual education at the Marist House in Framingham, Massachusetts where he studied philosophy for two years before travelling to Washington, DC for an additional four years of education focused on sacred theology which included an in-depth study of Latin. “De gustibus non est disputandum” was a phrase he later used to settle disputes between his children. His journey also brought him to study at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana in 1956 and eventually to the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, where he was a program director. 

It was during a mission in Kansas City in the summer of 1967 that Joe met Kathleen McAloon, a nurse and layperson who had come to the program as a volunteer and chaperone. The pair became quick friends and bonded over their faith and other interests during a shared road trip back to the Northeast. The friends wrote letters and stayed in touch after their work together had ended. The following year, Joe left the seminary and reconnected with Kathleen, wearing his seminarian suit to pick her up for their first date. 

On May 24, 1969, Joe married the love of his life, Kathleen M. McAloon, at the Holy Trinity Church in West Harwich, Cape Cod. The pair made their married home in Waltham where they began to raise a family. During this time, Joe utilized his many years of education as well as his own firsthand experiences, to become an English Second Language instructor in Framingham. A career opportunity brought the family to Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1973, where Joe took a position with the Bridgeport Hospital as the Facilities Supervisor.

In 1980, Joe and his family returned to Massachusetts, finding their forever home in Walpole. Joe held a variety of jobs over the coming years, doing hands-on activities such as repairing wheelchairs and bicycles, as well as continuing to share his love of education as a substitute teacher for the Walpole and Norwood Public Schools as well as the Technical School in Canton. The most important job that Joe held though, was that of father and husband. Kathleen had a demanding career that Joe fully supported by becoming the main caregiver for their three growing children. He joyfully got the kids to and from school each day, prepared delicious home-cooked meals, and worked on the many projects that needed to be done around the house, all with a smile on his face regardless of whether or not he was tired from an overnight shift at work. 

Joe had many interests. He was an avid gardener, growing and enjoying vegetables like beans and corn, as well as beautiful roses. He loved to travel with his family, visiting his ancestral homelands of Quebec, Canada and France, as well as Ireland, and many more. Many adventures were had camping in his beloved RV, travelling with his family across the United States. Joe loved being out in nature, whether it was relaxing on the beach, enjoying the cool ocean breeze on the deck of a sailboat, or feeling the crunch of leaves under his feet while taking a hike in the Walpole Town Forest. He enjoyed watching sports, especially the Boston Red Sox and the Celtics. 

Joe remained a devout Catholic his entire life, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, teaching religious education classes, faithfully attending Mass, and singing joyfully along with the hymns at Blessed Sacrament. He valued education, finding ways to share knowledge and inspire the pursuit of it in others. Joe loved to build and work with his hands and was ready and willing to help anyone who needed it. From building decks and porches to other home repairs, Joe was happily determined to find a solution to the problem for not just his home, but his friends and neighbors as well. He regularly displayed this during his get-togethers with his friends in the Cursillo community, helping his close-knit friends in any way that he could.

Joe will be remembered as a gentle giant who will leave large shoes to fill. He was a consummate caregiver, kindhearted friend, animal lover, and utmost gentleman. He taught his children to be self-sufficient, encouraged them to try new things, and instilled in them the importance of community and faith. For many years, he brought his darling wife breakfast in bed every morning and told his family he loved them every night. He will be remembered for his "Hallee Hugs", his humor, his generosity, and his compassion. He will be sorely missed.

Joe's family would like to thank and acknowledge the kindness and skills of the various teams that have assisted Joe since his battle with dementia began. Thank you to the staff at Saint Patrick's Manor, Good Shepherd Hospice, and especially to Home Instead, the fantastic home health aides who were critical to Joe's care at home. His cousin Ron Hallee has also played an indispensable role in supporting Joe and his family.

Beloved husband, for 55 years, of Kathleen M. (McAloon) Hallee

Loving father of John Patrick Hallee of Walpole, Sr. Maria Guadalupe, OP (Maria Elena) of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Kathleen "Katy" Bridget Rose Hallee of Austin, Texas

Cherished brother of Thomas E. Hallee and his late wife Eileen of Hawaii, D. Kenneth Hallee of Connecticut, the late P. Jerome Hallee and his late wife Pauline, the late P. Lawrence Hallee and his surviving wife Priscilla of Acton, and the late T. James Hallee and his surviving wife Linda of Maine

Also survived by many nieces, nephews, bonus grandchildren, extended relatives, and friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Joe's Life Celebration on Sunday, September 22nd, 2024, from 2:00 - 5:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

All are invited to gather in the funeral home on Monday, September 23rd, 2024, at 9:00 am prior to Joe's Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Saint Timothy's Church, 650 Nichols Street, Norwood, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joe's name may be made to the Massachusetts and New Hampshire chapter of the Alzheimer's Association at 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or by visiting https://www.alz.org/manh