Harry R. Halloran Jr. (August 24, 1939-December 18, 2021) was a generous and long-time supporter of the Dialogue Institute. His financial support was critical to the establishment of the institute in 2008 as a programmatic offshoot of the Journal of Ecumenical Studies. Several initiatives were made possible through Harry’s support including the Bumuntu Peace Institute in the Democratic Republic of Congo, several exchanges with Fulbright scholars from Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, a program with Jewish and Muslim women from Israel, and many other programs that have fostered dialogue and understanding across religious and cultural differences. The Dialogue Institute board and staff offers its warm condolences to Harry’s family.
The obituary is available HERE and the funeral is scheduled for Saturday April 2, 2022, 10 AM at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on the Villanova University campus, 800 E. Lancaster Ave., Villanova PA.
The Dialogue Institute is planning to host a Zoom memorial service sometime in early 2022. Below are tributes to Harry Halloran written by friends of the Dialogue Institute.
Len Swidler: Back in 1988, I was at a gathering of Catholics in the Philadelphia area, and someone mentioned a Harry Halloran who was an active globally-minded Catholic living on the Main Line--so I made an appointment to visit him in his office. At the meeting, we were at first cautious, telling each other gradually what we thought and what we were doing--all in the area of Vatican II type Catholic engagement with the Modern World. By an hour and half later, we had essentially fallen in love with each other. We met many times during the 1990s (imagine Harry sitting on a living room floor with ten others engaged in eager and penetrating give-and-take dialogue! It was then in 2001 that he put up the money for the Journal of Ecumenical Studies, and its offspring the Dialogue Institute, to become a 501(c)3 and hire our first full time DI executive director, Racelle Weiman. I learned later that Harry had read an early book of mine while he was a seminarian member of the Augustinians. When later his father died, Harry decided to not continue his studies to become a priest, but took up the family business. Obviously, Harry's deeply liberal Catholic life values had profoundly shaped him as a loving, dynamic human being. The impact of his life lives on in the people he encountered, and the many organizations that he created or supported in multiple ways. In the process, he impacted the lives of many, many persons in positive and loving ways. I miss you Harry! Vivas in aeternam!
Mutombo Nkulu-N’Shenga: This is, indeed, a very sad day. This is not a loss only for Halloran's family, but for many of us and for the people of the Congo. I came to know Harry through Len Swidler. Harry and Len helped me establish the Bumuntu Peace Institute in the Congo to bring much needed help to the people. I remember not only Harry's generosity, but most importantly his personality and attitude toward his fellow human beings. In my mother tongue KILUBA and the Bantu wisdom of my ancestors, Harry was "Muntu wa Bumuntu," "Muntu wa Binebine," that means a "true man," a "genuine human being," a "man of truth," a "man truly humane." My experience is that Harry treated the poor and the wealthy, the big men and the little fish with dignity. As an African proverb (in fact really universal) has it, what is more important is not what you give, but "how you give it." Helping people by treating them with dignity, that was the trademark of the Halloran Philanthropy from the way I felt treated by Harry. My deepest condolences to Harry's family.
Majid Alsayegh: Harry Halloran valued Dr. Len Swidler’s teachings and provided considerable support to the Dialogue Institute for many years. He wanted to see organizations he supported strive to make the world a better place and he believed in the DI’s potential. I greatly appreciated Harry’s support and advice when I joined the board. Soon after joining, Harry asked me if I would become chair of the board. He asked me to help bring business skills, focus and discipline to the DI’s work. Harry wanted to see the DI’s core teachings be transformational amongst our constituents around the world. The DI’s scope and breadth of work greatly expanded as a result of Harry’s support. I will miss Harry but no doubt the influence of ideas and his work will continue through the organizations he inspired and has supported.
Gity Etemad: I got to know Harry and Kay Halloran over 15 years ago when I invited all our neighbors over to our home. Everyone brought a prayer or a poem to read for the safety of America. Not long after that, they invited my husband and I to their home where they were hosting some international dignitaries. This is where I met Len Swidler. Not long after that, Len asked me to join the board of Dialogue Institute. As neighbors, we have been seeing each other socially on different occasions until he had his unfortunate stroke. I found him to be the kindest, the most generous person, full of life and optimism, and always thinking about the future. My condolences to Kay and the whole family. He was one of the most essential supporters of DI. We all miss him very much. I am certain he is free from all pains and sufferings of this mortal life and has plunged into the sea of light in the world of mysteries.
Fahad Alhomoudi: I met with Harry more than once. He had a peaceful and faithful heart and life and he was a good example for the dialogue mission. With other DI/JES Board members I express sympathies to the Halloran family.
Paul Mojzes: I am very sorry to hear of Harry’s death and join others on the DI/JES Board in expressing our sympathies to the Halloran family.
Howard Cohen: The DI/JES has lost a long-time believer in our mission and a strong supporter. I have lost a friend and an intellectual mentor.
Rebecca Mays: I share condolences with you all. Harry was an inspiration to me during the hospitality he offered to the Dialogue Institute staff. He made important contributions to our programs, including the Bumuntu Peace Institute, Fulbright Scholars, programs with the Saudi professors through Fulbright scholar Fahad Alhomoudi, a womens' program with Jewish and Muslim women from Israel, an interfaith dialogue with the Amish, etc.
William Cullinan: I am sorry to hear about the passing of Harry Halloran. I want to express my condolences to Kay and his family. I enjoyed working with Harry on the Board. I well remember the wonderful hospitality of Harry and Kay in their home. He will be missed.
Racelle Weiman: I offer condolences to Kay and her family, and extend sympathy to Len and community for the loss of Harry .He was an important, essential part of the birth and evolution of the Dialogue Institute, allowing us to dream big and hold a candle of light in this world. Thank you Harry. May your memory be a blessing.
Ann Schroeder: This is very sad news about Harry. I regret that I met him only a few times, he was obviously a man who exhibited huge compassion and generosity.
Terry Rey: I am deeply sorry to learn of Harry's passing and express to everyone my sincere condolences.
Peter Baktis: May his memory be eternal!
