Richard M. Hallenus

Richard “Dick” Meriwether Hallenus passed away peacefully on Friday, November 22, 2019 after reaching his goal of celebrating his 100th birthday. He was born on February 4, 1919 in Weehawkin, New Jersey to the late Capt. John E. Hallenus (of Hedemora, Sweden) and the late Gertrude Lewis Hallenus of New Orleans. Dick was preceded in death by his older brother, John L. Hallenus of New Orleans. Married to his high school sweetheart, Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 76 years, Doris “Dottie” Harvey Hallenus and his adoring daughters, Linda A. Fettes (the late Thomas) and Judy H. Salathe (Stan). He was the treasured “Paw-Paw” of 8 grandchildren and the proud great grandfather of 12; they were his pride and joy. Dick played fullback on the Martin Behrman High Football Team and then attended USL. He joined the United States Coast Guard and was assigned to Horn Island, MS where he had an invaluable role in national defense. During World War II, he was deployed to the island in Tinian in the South Pacific awaiting the invasion of Japan. From there, he enlisted in the United States Navy and retired as Chief Petty Officer after 22 years in the Naval Reserve. Returning from World War II, he was hired by New Orleans Public Service, Inc (NOPSI) where he retired as their Residential Sales Manager after 37 years of dedicated services. Dick was one of the founding members of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church and later became a parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church in New Orleans for many years. As a business and civic activist, he served the local Boy Scout Council, Algiers Kiwanis Club (President.), Key Club Electrical Association, Home Builders Association, United Way, Jr. Achievement, Round Table Club, Sons of the American Revolution, NOPSI Retirees Association and a loyal volunteer at the World War II Museum. He and his Dottie loved to sing, dance, travel and enjoy nature and family together. His greatest joys were his devoted wife, family, friends, and his love of God and his Faith. The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of Woldenberg Village for their many kindness and “Mr. Richard’s” Passages Hospice team for their loving care over the past 8 months. Masses are preferred or donations to Fisher House Foundation, serving families of the Vets getting medical treatment, 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Suite 410, Rockville, MD 20852, attention New Orleans Fisher House. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 3101 Eton Street, Algiers, LA on Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 9AM until 10AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church on Thursday at 10AM. Interment will follow in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Gretna, LA. MOTHE FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may offer condolences at mothefunerals.com.