Gerald L. Halterman
Gerald L. Halterman, 95, died Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, following a period of declining health.
He was born in Carbondale on March 13, 1921, the son of Thomas M. Halterman and Lois McSparin Halterman.
He is survived by his wife, Domenica Florence (Bianco) Halterman of Sudbury, Mass. He was the father of David L. Halterman and his wife Maryann of Westborough, Mass., Ronald F. Halterman and his wife Linda of Uxbridge, Mass., and Glenn E. Halterman of Northborough, Mass.
He was the brother of Edward E. Halterman of Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Charles T. Halterman of Anna, the Rev. Ruth E. Milgate of Indianapolis, Ind., and the late Dr. Harold G. Halterman, Earl F. Halterman and Cyrus Halterman.
His first wife, Rosalie H. Sharpe Halterman, died on Dec. 14, 2005.
He is also survived by five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Halterman had been a resident of Framingham, Mass., for over 65 years and recently resided in Sudbury. He was a graduate of Amherst College with the class of 1947 and was class secretary.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 1939 and did his recruit training in San Diego aboard the USS Oklahoma for 18 months in the 4th and C Division.
As a Yeoman 3rd Class, he transferred to NYD Pearl Harbor 14th NavDist Communications Office and witnessed, on Dec. 7, 1941, the Japanese attack from the top floor of the USN Receiving Station near fleet landing.
He retired after more than 35 years of dedicated service from the Missile Systems Division at Raytheon, where he retained various administrative and engineering positions. He received a letter from President Reagan upon his retirement from working for decades at Raytheon.
He served as vice president of SMARC for several years. He was a Pearl Harbor historian and his passion was educating others about the importance of protecting our freedom through public speaking events. He always shared with family and friends that his life was spared at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, to enjoy a wonderful family and a special son, Glenn. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing with family and friends.
After being widowed, he found love again and married Florence on Oct. 2, 2008. They resided at Orchard Hill at Sudbury.
Funeral services were at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home in Wayland, Mass. Interment, with military honors, was in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28.
Memorials can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kan. 66675.
This announcement is courtesy of Crain Funeral Home Anna-Jonesboro. To view the full obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.