I remember the time eyou took me hunting and I shot my first bird. Kind Sir, a beautiful Springer Spaniel who was my dog, went chasing after the bird went over a hill and I thought for sure we had lost him. As I ran on to try anf find him, here he comesover the hill wuth the butt of the bird in his mouth abd the tail feathers sticking up on both sides of his nose like horns. You bust out laughing and said you wished you had your movie camera for that scene. You always knew my limitations and accepted me no matter what. You knew I felt bad shooting the bird and made me feel better about it. It was the last time we went hunting because you didn't want me to ever feel the way I did at that moment. 

On February 2, 1921 the Angels above delivered the most precious and valued gift that could have ever been bestowed on us all.

Joseph James Hallman was born in a modest home at 512 Indiana Avenue in Philadelphia PA.to Captain William S and Alice [nee Walsh] Hallman. He was the 3rd child of 6 children. Raised with tr aditional Catholic values Joe went to a Catholic Elementary School then went on to North East Catholic High School for Boys. There he was a member of the Glee Club and excelled in Mathematics. In 1941 he met a beautiful young lady named Erma at a dance at the Sons of Italy Hall. From the very moment he met her he knew that she was the one for him. He told her directly and in no uncertain words that he was going to marry her. In 1942, Joe was drafted into the Army and was shipped out to the Philippines were he served as a Hospital Corpsman All the while his only thoughts surrounded around Erma and getting home to her. He had her engagement ring with proposal sent to her. From the Philippines he set the date of February 9, 1946 to get married, He arrived home on February 7, 1946 and the two were joined together in Holy Matrimony on February 9th as planned. While newlywed, Joe attended a trade school to become a First Class Tool and Die Maker [Don't ever call him a machinist]. 

In 1955, Joe and Erma decided to build a house and finished the project within 6 months. In 1957 after many failed attempts to have children of their own, Joe and Erma set out to adopt a child. This was one of the single most selfless acts that anyone could do. They wanted to better the life of someone who otherwise might not have had a chance in life. They contacted Camden Catholic Charities who met with them. They showed Joe and Erma a picture of a little Italian boy and Joe immediately fell in love with him, it took almost two years but on June 29, 1959, they made the trip from South Jersey to New York to pick up their new son. Through all the problems and handicaps they showered him with Love and Affection. Through the many years Joe was always there to protect and guide, teach and show his unconditional love. One of the proudest moments in life was to be able to sponsor Joe in his 3rd degree of the Knights of Columbus and to have him with his son when he was knighted in the 4th degree.

The man I refer to is my dad. I am that little Italian boy that he always kept the picture the Catholic Charities showed him of in his Tool Chest "Pin up Board". Dad you are not only my father, you are my dearest and best friend. You gave me Love, kindness, friendship & understanding. Three weeks before the angels came to take you home, you asked mom to get you a grilled cheese sandwich. I was going to go with her but you said, No you stay with me. I want to talk to you a minute. You had me stand by the door to make sure mom got on the elevator. When she had I said mom was on her way to get your sandwich. You asked me to help you to the window. As you stood there you started to speak. You said the one thing that sticks out in my mind and I hear it every time I think about you. You said, "Lin, no matter what happens, I will always be by your side. I love you". Then you asked me to pre-arrange your funeral and I said "Don't talk that way, you're not going anywhere". You got a little angry and said, "Just do what I ask, Please. I don't think your mother will be able to handle doing doing it". I said OK and just then mom came in with the sandwich. She knew right away that I had tears in my eyes and I just said dad wanted me to get him lottery tickets. That was the excuse dad cooked up if she happened to come in on us. Before she got back Dad gave me a hug and kiss.He said, "I have always loved you". I think he knew his time was drawing near. The only things I remember about the morning you left us was seeing you one last time and then getting that call from a stranger telling me to get back to the hospital. I didn’t even wait for the elevator, I ran up 4 flights of steps. When I got to the waiting room outside of ICU, there was mom. Everyone who was in there waiting to see their loved one very quietly slipped out of the room so we could be alone. All mom could say was, "I'm Sorry Lin, Dad's gone"! The ICU Nurse came out and told us we could see you one last time.I just want everyone to know what a Loving, Caring, and Compassionate man you are. I Love You Dad. You will forever remain in my heart.