Michael John Halloran was born on May 23, 1943 in Chicago, IL, the son of John Joseph Halloran and Mary Lucille Duffy, and the eldest of seven children. He had a large extended family; many family members were involved in jobs in the functioning of the city. He had a rich childhood with tales of life in Chicago in the 1940's and 1950's. Many dramatic tales will be lost with Mike's passing.

Michael attended a primary Catholic school and then went on to attend Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary for high school. He also added a post graduate seminary year. He had an extraordinary education supported by Jesuit priests. His remarkable early education astounded his friends and colleagues. Mike not only had a strong academic background, but he was also an excellent athlete. He played basketball as a team captain and participated in amateur boxing with several championships under his belt.

He moved to Sunnyvale, California in 1962 and then joined the United States Air Force. His transition from priesthood to service was influenced by the cultural influences of his era. Considered the "Greatest Generation", this cohort believed wholeheartedly in commitment to community and country.

Testing high in mechanical ability, the Air Force trained Michael as an Electric Power and Production Specialist. He traveled the world moving from base to base. He found humor in the fact that he never attended Boot Camp. He was transferred faster than the original training orders. He was released from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska in 1966.

Michael raised a family and attended Eastern Washington University. He received a degree in Psychology and planned on a career in research. Life took him on another path and his mechanical abilities seemed to keep him tied to the trades. He considered himself a Jack of all Trades. With enough time to tinker, there were few mechanical tasks he could not resolve.

His three beautiful children inherited his eye-hand coordination. Brett Halloran is a skilled electrician; Brian Halloran is a physical therapist; and Laura Lopez is a teacher and coach. They in turn have nine children and one great grandchild.

Mike went back to school later in life to become an academic teacher and to work in the California Prison system to 'teach young men to think.' He was versed in academics and the trades. He assisted many young men in reaching their academic goals. He coordinated a computer lab, and he later worked as a college facilitator. Mike taught at Ironwood State Prison from 2006 to 2019.

Mike was a great teacher, but he was even more fulfilled as an advocate. He supported Ironwood teachers and staff as a Union Representative from SEIU. He also advocated for Incarcerated Veterans through onsite and outreach programs.

While in good health, he enjoyed the comradery and community activism of the Lion's Club. He supported incarcerated veterans and homeless veterans. He loved helping others and never refused to assist someone in need. This activism carried over to animals as well. He opened his heart and home to a houseful of cats and dogs.

For leisure Mike enjoyed movies, video poker and eBooks. His eBooks were a source of comfort in his 10 years of waiting in doctor's offices.

While rough on the exterior, he had a very gentle spirit and loved his family and community.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings – Jack, Mary, Jeanne, and Kathleen.

Mike is survived by his wife Margaret Drake, sister Terry Langlais, brother Patrick Halloran and his three children, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike's name and memory to the American Lung Association.

Services will be held for Mike as follows:
Celebration of Life: Friday, Nov. 4th from 6-8:00 p.m. at Frye Chapel & Mortuary in Blythe.
Memorial Mass: Saturday, Nov. 5th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Blythe. Reception to follow at Sizzler restaurant in Blythe.
Interment: Saturday, Nov. 12th at 12:30 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.