Alexander "Alex" Halakan

Rotterdam - Alexander “Alex” Halakan Jr., 98, peacefully passed away on May 4, 2022. Alex was born in Schenectady, NY where he was raised by his parents, Julia (Negodia) Halakan and Alexander Halakan. Alex married Josephine Catalano on January 8, 1949 and were married until Josephine’s passing in 2008. Upon graduation from Mont Pleasant High School in 1942, Alex joined the United States Navy where he served as an aviation machinist mate and flight crew plane captain, submarine patrol, until 1946. Alex loved to talk of his experiences and travels while in the Navy. Loving every opportunity to talk about planes he flew (PV-1) and stops in Natal and Fort Alaza Brazil and North French Morocco. He was deservedly proud of his years in the Navy. Recently found letters of correspondence during the war years, with his lifelong friend Richard (Clubby) Bennett reveal a lighthearted young man looking forward to reuniting with his parents and friends. After his marriage to Josephine, he attended Siena College studying Business. In 1951 Alex and Josephine gave birth to their only child Lex. Those early years proved to be lean years until he began working for the Carl A. Pearson Company, selling Swagelock valves and fittings in 1956. Then in 1972 Alex joined the Albany Valve and Fitting Company until his retirement at age 85. Alex worked with engineers and pioneered the acceptance of the Swagelock Tube Fitting at General Electric, IBM, International Paper and dozens of other companies. Alex was highly respected by his customers and loved by his associates for his professionalism and his commitment to the motto “The customer comes first”. Anyone who knew Alex knew that golf was his passion, and he passed that passion to his son, Lex. Alex was a longtime member of the Handicappers Golf League, playing at Schenectady Muni. He often brought Lex, at 9 or 10 years old, to caddy for him, and always gave Lex the opportunity to hit a drive on the 9th tee. In 1959 Alex joined the Edison Club giving Josephine, Lex and Alex the opportunity to appreciate the game even more. Especially enjoyable for Alex was playing every Tuesday and Thursday with a group that called themselves “The Masters”. The opportunity to play with “The Masters” was sacred. He had wonderful memories of his time on the course that included winning the club 2 man 1st flight championship with Lex as his playing partner, 4 holes in one, and several great rounds including shooting his age so very often. Alex was a member of the Edison Club for 60 years. He continued to play golf until moving to Glendale Home in 2019. Alex had a deep love and affection for his only granddaughter Elizabeth. She was the apple of his eye. Whether playing “steal the old man’s pack”, shooting pool, or trying to stop the cursed “reverse pivot” in her golf swing. Alex would melt with a smile from her. Alex leaves behind his son, Lex and his wife Deborah Webster, his granddaughter Elizabeth and her husband Sam Mahan; Elizabeth’s mother Cathy Halakan and sister- in- law Elsie Catalano. Deepest gratitude to the late Joe Aglio, who did so much for Alex in his later years and was truly a best friend. Also, Cathy Halakan, who went above and beyond and was always there to give him a most appreciated call or visit and to make sure all was well. And special thanks to the staff at Glendale Nursing Home for their patience, understanding and care and to Community Hospice for allowing his passing to be a peaceful one. Funeral services will be private. Burial with military honors will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Alex’s family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to Community Hospice, 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY, 12208.