William H. Halben, 89, of Penbryn Avenue, died Saturday surrounded by his family in his home. He was the husband of Shirley (Clarke) Halben. They had been married for 62 years.
Born in Methuen, MA he was the son of the late Herman and Lillian (McNally) Halben. He had lived in Smithfield for 45 years, previously living in Carpentersville, IL, and Providence, RI. He was a WWII Navy Veteran, serving for 2 years in the SeeBees on the Island of Attu in the North Pacific.
He graduated from Boston University with an Associate's Degree in Arts.
He had been a Contact Representative for the RI Railroad Board before retiring in 1979.Prior to this he had worked for the Army Map Service.
He served as a lector and in the CCD program at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Smithfield, RI, and as a lector at St. Monica's Catholic church in Carpentersville, IL.
He was also a member of the Smithfield Elks, BPOE 2359, a member of the Knights of Columbus, a social member of the Portuguese American Club and a member of the Boulder's Club in North Providence.
Besides his wife he is survived by his children, Dr. Stephen W. Halben of Smithfield, Patricia A. Costa of Smithfield, Barbara J. Norton of Glocester, Kathryn G. Young of Smithfield, Robert M. Halben of Attleboro, MA, Nancy D. Monfils of Smithfield, and Judith I. Sollecito of Glocester, a brother, Robert A. Halben of North Providence, RI, and 14 grandchildren. He was the father of the late Richard E. Halben.
His funeral will be held Wednesday at 9:30am from the ANDERSON-WINFIELD Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville, RI. A Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am in St. Michael’s Church, 80 Farnum Pike, Smithfield.Visitation Tuesday 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to St. Michael’s Church, 80 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917.