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<em>Theodore Harding Halligan</em> was born the youngest of three children to William and Roxanna Halligan in Passaic, NJ. He graduated from Rutherford High School in 1940 and studied for one year at Millard Preparatory School in Washington, DC. Then, he was appointed to the Academy and graduated with the great Class of ’45.</p>
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The gold thread, woven through all the pieces of Ted’s life and holding them all together, was West Point. It was his true starting place. "Duty, Honor, Country" was the foundation of his thoughts, plans, and purposes every day.</p>
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Three areas at West Point influenced and shaped Ted’s education and character. First, the many walking hours amassed from the multitude of demerits gave him solitude and time to think and critically examine problems, resolve solutions, and determine future steps.</p>
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Second was the English Department, where Ted fell in love with the power of a clear and colorful English paragraph and the language’s innate ability to be used as a magical instrument of expression. Throughout his life, he was an avid reader. He constantly counseled his children and friends to "read, read, read!"</p>
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The third and, deciding force that marked Ted as a man of tenacity, selflessness, honesty, and loyalty was his time as a member of the Football Team under Coach Earl Blaik. For Ted, Blaik was a man’s man, a true hero whose dynamic courage and passion for the game of football had a profound influence on Ted’s character. He played for West Point during 1942—44 and, in that final year, the championship team won the Lambert Trophy, comprised of 14 players who were All-American. Two of those teammates went on to win the Heisman Trophy. The impact of the sport on his personality is reflected in his own words, "The game of football is a hard, tough physical game that is guided by strategic concepts and based upon playing for the group and making the group successful."</p>
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After graduation, Ted remained in the Army for nine years, serving with the 11th Airborne and 8th Airborne at Ft. Bragg, NC. While deployed in Japan with the 11th Airborne, he played against the Seventh Fleet in the famous Championship of the Pacific on New Year’s Day 1947 in Shanghai, China. The 11th Airborne football team won in a shutout of 13-0. He also won the heart of Joyce Garcia of Rutherford, with whom he had three children, Teddie, Mark, and Laurie.</p>
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In 1950, Ted earned a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and, then, taught English for three years at West Point. A one-year tour with the 7th Division in Korea followed. In 1955, he resigned from the Army and moved back to Rutherford to start his career in New York City.</p>
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As it turned out, Ted’s entire career was spent on Wall Street. He began working in sales for Dean Witter and, after several years there, moved on to Walston & Company as a partner. When Walston closed its doors in 1973, Ted started over at Piper Jaffray & Hopwood, ultimately becoming a managing director.</p>
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In 1966, Ted and Joyce divorced and he moved to New York City. While vacationing in 1968 on Fire Island, he met Irene DeBenham on a blind date. Two years later, Ted and Irene married on Valentine’s Day This happy union began a 26-year marriage that combined his family of three children with Irene’s two daughters, Kyle and Beth. Today, the family has grown to ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.</p>
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During his 73 years, Ted contributed to many organizations with his time, treasures, and talents. In the early years while living in Rutherford, he served on the local school board, the board of adjustment, board of recreation, and the vestry. Ted was a past West Point Society of New York President; India House and National Institute of Social Sciences Officer; U.S.O. International and Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Airmen’s Home Board Member; and an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, serving on their pastor nominating committee and vestry.</p>
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Theodore Harding Halligan was a man whose life spilled over with amazing accomplishments. He had more friends than any ten people. He was adored by his children and grandchildren. In Irene, he had found his true soul mate and great happiness. His earthly record of accomplishments is an enviable one indeed.</p>
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However, the heritage of Ted’s life was not in what he did, but rather in who he was. If Ted Halligan were your friend, then a fierce loyalty and love was yours forever. If he were your husband, "love abounded and grace the more." He loved much and forgave all. And if you were fortunate enough to call him your father, well, then you’ve seen the gaze of the Almighty. It was in his massive arms that we always felt safe and because of his passionate devotion towards the fulfillment of our gifts, we learned just how deep, how wide, how high, and how long the love of God really is.</p>