John Halligan
John Michael Halligan, aged 85, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, at the TerraBella Senior Living Facility in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Born on September 6, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he lived a life distinguished by service to his country, dedication to his work, and love for his family. Before settling in Henderson County, he resided in Texas, California, and Coatesville, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Halligan graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree on June 5, 1963. His commitment to his nation was evident early in his career when he received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force on the same day of his graduation. He honorably served his country and participated in the Vietnam War from July to December in 1971. Over the course of his military career, he was recognized with numerous commendations, including the Air Medal Award in December 1972, the Distinguished Flying Cross in January 1973, and the Meritorious Service Medal in May 1978. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1983, leaving a legacy of leadership and bravery.
Following his distinguished military career, Mr. Halligan continued to contribute to national defense through his work in Mission and Operations Analysis at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company. He demonstrated excellence and commitment in all his professional endeavors.
In addition to his career achievements, Mr. Halligan pursued personal interests, achieving the Balloon Excelsior Graduation Certificate, Commercial Pilot Lighter than Air Free Balloon in 2002, and contributing to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, earning awards for Outstanding Performance in Operations Missions in 2009 and 2010, and the Radio Watch Service Award in 2014.
Mr. Halligan was preceded in death by his parents, James Halligan and Marie (Rodgers) Halligan; his beloved wife of 13 years, Carol Owens Halligan; his sister, Marie Long, and her husband Bruce; and his brother, James Halligan, and his wife Lois.
He is survived by his daughters: Karen (Keith) Milich of Bluffton, South Carolina; Katie (Fred) Alexander of Horse Shoe, North Carolina; Diane (Rob) Fernandes of Orange, Texas; Cathleen Halligan of San Antonio, Texas; Maureen Calvin of Buda, Texas; and Jean Marie Calvin of Buda, Texas. His legacy continues through his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who are spread across different states including Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida; grandchildren, Bob (Kristi) Dennison, Gary (Becka) Dennison, Danny (Lindsey) Dennison, Melissa (Cameron) Atkins, Michael (Stephanie) Bechard, Staci (Hassan) Kolko, Sheri (Kyle) O’Neil, Tim Alexander, Eileen Alexander, Mike (Jaclyn) Alexander, Jenny (Eric) Unflat, Brandon Clark, Raven Carr, and Grayson Johnson; great grandkids, Aubrey, Chloe, Lilly, Kate, Michael, Riley, Gracie, Carly, Ayla, Addison, Issac, Caleb, Sammy, Mo, Layah, Zaine, Aubree, Lizzie, Donny, Cori, CJ, Lucas, Jacob, Zachary, Josiah, Kylie, Zaiden, Sloan, Declan, and Connor; nieces Maureen (Lou) Grasso from New Jersey and their children Dane, William, Ryan, and Eileen (Paul) McDonald and their children Kelly and Michael; nephew Michael (Susy) Long and their children Alyssa and Cassidy; nieces Janet and Joann.
A memorial service with full military honors will be held at the Western Carolina Veterans Cemetery in the spring of 2026, where family and friends will gather to celebrate and honor the life of a remarkable man who gave so much to his family, his community, and his country. His memory will remain cherished in the hearts of those who knew him.