John Howard Hall Sr.

John Howard Hall Sr., age 84, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of December 22, 2022, surrounded by the love of his family. Known to everyone as “Jack”, he will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure and privilege to have known him.

Born on March 14, 1938, to Howard and Vera (Strom) Hall, Jack grew up in Elburn, Illinois. He attended high school at Marmion Academy, graduating in 1956. Jack then attended Northern Illinois University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and his Masters degree. It was at NIU that Jack met Diana Shiles. After they both graduated, they wed and went on to have 7 children, who were Jack’s pride and joy throughout his life. In 1961, Jack joined the United States Air Force. During his time in the Air Force he was a Captain, Missile Launch Officer, attended the Air Force Institute Technology (Astro and Space Vehicle Systems) and also specialized in aviation. Jack worked with NASA on Astro/Space vehicle systems. His military service was recognized with several commendations, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Airforce Outstanding Unit Award. When Jack was honorably discharged after his 8 years of service, he then began a career in information technology, working primarily in university and governmental settings. He officially retired as CTO from Florida Atlantic University in 2005, although he never really retired, he continued to work, joining Florida LamdaRail as one of their Chief Business Development Officers.

After his retirement from FAU, Jack moved to The Villages where he enjoyed playing golf and socializing with the many friends he made there. Driving around The Villages with Grandpa in his golf cart was a coveted experience! He also truly enjoyed his semi-retirement, by traveling around the country, going on cruises and international trips. He and Carol Shear enjoyed two decades together filled with travel, adventure and love. Jack particularly enjoyed visiting his beloved children and grandchildren. When he couldn’t be there in person, he would watch sporting events online, calling or texting grandkids after games to congratulate them on specific plays they made. He would often return to Illinois to visit family, never missing a chance to fit in some golf with his NIU buddies or share a meal with old friends between visiting kids, grandkids and extended family. He loved to talk about what his 7 kids, 12 grandkids, and 1 great-grandson were up to, sharing details about their lives. He was proud of his family and he didn’t hesitate to let anyone know it. Besides golfing and traveling, in his earlier years, Jack also enjoyed piloting small aircraft when he had the opportunity.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Vera Hall, his sister Geraldine Peterson and his brother Richard Hall. He is survived and missed by his ex-wife Diana (Shiles) Hall, children Mary Malloy, John (Lisa Reid) Hall Jr., Jim (Nancy Grimm) Hall, Tony (Kristin Anderson) Hall, Michele Hall, David (Adina Futterman) Hall and Melody (John) Stone. His 12 grandchildren Danica (Dean Hunt) Malloy, Brianna Malloy, Ian Hall, Anna Hall, Michael Hall, Catherine Hall, Jacob Hall, Jackson Hall, Olivia Hall, Anthony Hall, Michaela Hall, Abbey Hall and great-grandson Elijah Malloy, as well as many extended family members, his partner Carol Shear and a community of friends who were lucky enough to have been befriended by Jack.

Memorial Service and Celebration of Life Reception

Memorial service will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery ,10000 Bay Pines Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33708, on January 13, 2023 from 1245-1330, with Military Honors, Catholic Prayer Service and Eulogies (due to limited time, please contact Mary, 813-240-7840 if you would like to speak). Meet at the entrance area by office at 1245, then cars will be escorted to the service area. The service will start promptly at 1300. An Open House Reception to Celebrate Jack’s life will be at the VFW Post 4364, 5773 62nd St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33709 from 1400-1600. Soft drinks will be provided, and a cash bar will be available for beer, wine and liquor. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Memory of John Hall, to Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL. (Notification information, optional: Mary Malloy, 10039 Oasis Palm Dr., Tampa, FL, 33615, marymalloy40@gmail.com).

Link to Moffit donation site.  

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