John R. Halliwell

John Roland Halliwell beloved husband, brother, uncle, great uncle, and friend passed away on May 29, 2025 in Montvale, New Jersey.

He was born September 4, 1933 in Preston, England to Elizabeth and Joseph Halliwell.

Throughout his life, he was known as John, John Roland, Ron, and Mr. John. Regardless of the variation, he always responded with a positive and cheerful attitude. He was a professional in every sense of the word who made hospitality management his career calling.

He began working as a young man and continued working throughout his life. In his early years, he was responsible for food service for both the army of Great Britain and the Merchant Navy.  His work took him across the globe on many occasions. Upon leaving military service, he was employed by restaurants of note in London. With consideration of his interest in travel, he opted for an opportunity in New York for a short-term position. However, he met his future bride Pat and, as his mother predicated when he left, he did not return England.

In New York and New Jersey, he continued his commitment to quality food and quality service. He worked at the Taft Hotel in New York City and the North Jersey Country Club.  He was chef at the Hamilton Club, Paterson, New Jersey and executive chef for the corporate offices of Union Camp, Wayne, New Jersey.

Pat and John married in Paterson in 1958. His mum traveled from England to attend the wedding. The young couple made their home in Paterson. They later lived in Upper Saddle River, NJ; Manchester Center, VT; and eventually returned to Montvale, NJ.

While he enjoyed travel and the hospitality trades, his true passion was his faith and his family.

He was a member of St. Gabriel the Archangel, Saddle River, NJ and a member of the Knights of Columbus, including serving as Grand Knight. He loved his English and American families. Throughout their 61 years, John and Pat combined love of family and hospitality to provide the best of family gatherings. He was always appreciative of how the Dillon family opened their arms to him.  His family in “the old country” was very important and they visited from time to time to ensure that they kept that bond across the pond. Especially his Nephew Mark, who loved meeting up with Uncle Roland and he always said that was the best part of the many trips he made to the US.

He is predeceased by his wife Patricia Ann (nee Dillon), parents, and brothers, Joseph and Anthony.

He is survived by his cherished sister Dorothy Halliwell, Preston, England and sister-in-law Jennifer Halliwell, Penwortham, England.

He is also survived by nephews Mark Halliwell and John Halliwell, Preston, England; James Dillon (Chrissy), Middletown, NY; Sean Dillon (Margi) Basking Ridge, NJ; and niece Pam Corry (Jim) Arlington, VA as well as great nephews Sean Dillon (Tanya), Woodstock, GA,; Jay Dillon, Middletown, NY; Nick Dillon, Middletown, NY; Frankie Dillon, Basking Ridge, NJ; Aidan Dillon, Charleston, SC; and great niece Hannah Dillon, Kent, CT.

The family expresses their appreciation to Ms. Marci Gaston for her loving longtime care and assistance.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4 - 7 PM at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Avenue, Ramsey, NJ. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Gabriel's RC Church in Saddle River, NJ. Interment will follow at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ. 

Funeral will be livestreamed: https://youtube.com/live/AEvh6ZICGJU

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