Rev. Thomas M. Halkovic, CSC
Deceased: 2017-09-09
Diocese: CONG OF HOLY CROSS
ICTE Spring: 1997
Longtime Stonehill Campus Minister, Rev. Thomas Halkovic, CSC, 73, died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 9, 2017.
He was born on July 1, 1944 in Bridgeport, CT to Joseph A. and Anna Vargo Halkovic. Fr. Tom was received into the Congregation on July 15, 1963, entered the Novitiate of the Eastern Province of Holy Cross Fathers and professed First Vows at North Dartmouth, MA, on July 16, 1964. He made his Final Profession of Vows on April 1, 1970 and was ordained to the priesthood on April 3, 1971.
At the heart of Stonehill College’s pastoral outreach, Fr. Halkovic, who retired earlier this year, oversaw retreat and sacramental programs for Campus Ministry. He was a polished homilist, who also organized and presided over many liturgies and over the years he officiated at many alumni weddings both in the Chapel of Mary and at many off-campus locations. “An educator in the faith, Fr. Tom devoted his life to serving our community with compassion and a deep sense of spirituality, and he always worked to make God known, loved and served. He went about his ministry with understatement and integrity, and we will miss his presence, wisdom and friendship,” said Stonehill President Rev. John Denning, CSC.
Before he joined Campus Ministry in 1994, Fr. Halkovic served as Residence Hall Director from 1989-1990 and then as the College’s Director of Student Activities from 1990 to 1994. In addition to his bachelor degree in philosophy from Stonehill College, Fr. Tom held a master of theology degree from the University of Notre Dame and a graduate studies certificate in counseling from Fairfield University.
Prior to coming to Stonehill, Fr. Halkovic taught religion at St. Joseph High School, South Bend, IN, from 1970-72 and at Notre Dame High School in Fairfield, CT, from 1972-74. He was Guidance Counselor and Teacher at Holy Cross High School, Danbury, CT from 1974-78. He then worked at Immaculate High School in Danbury, CT as a Guidance Counselor from 1978 to 1982 and as a director of guidance from 1982 to 1989.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Joseph and Anna Halkovic. He is survived by a sister, Patricia Mensik (Bob) of St. Augustine, FL; a brother, Michael of Bridgeport, CT, and a brother, Joseph of Louisiana and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. Monday (September 18, 2017) at the Chapel of Mary, Stonehill College, Easton, MA, with a Wake Service at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday (September 19, 2017) at the Chapel of Mary, Stonehill College, Easton, MA. Burial will follow at the Holy Cross Community Cemetery at Stonehill College. Kane Funeral Home of Easton, MA, is in charge of the arrangements.
