Michael Hallissy died on June 30 at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez. He was 69, and had been battling a variety of illnesses in the past months.
Michael was born in Antioch and grew up in Concord, where he lived throughout his life, mostly on Salvio St. near N. 6th. He was a member of Queen of All Saints Church and attended elementary school there. He graduated from St. Mary's College High School in Berkeley, traveling every day on public transportation between Concord and Berkeley. He graduated from St. Mary's College in 1970 with a degree in history.
Michael worked most of his adult life for the Oakland A's and the Oakland Coliseum. During the Haas family ownership in the 1980s, Michael was the assistant ticket manager in the front office, and was able to attend all the A's three years of World Series parties and games, including being at the 1989 game in San Francisco when the Loma Prieta Earthquake occurred.
Michael was a huge sports fan, and with his father he was a season ticket holder to the Oakland Raiders from their very early days until they moved to L.A.
He was also a devoted St. Mary's College Gaels fan, attending football games back when they had a team and hundreds of basketball games over the decades, including women's basketball games and volleyball games. He was proud of his college and of its many achievements.
Michael was also a Notre Dame University fan, as many Irish Catholics are, and he and his father were thrilled to go to a football game in South Bend. He also traveled to watch the Gaels against many WCC opponents on the road.
Michael was very proud of his Irish heritage, and he read many Irish history books and listened to Irish music, especially enjoying rebel music and groups like the Wolfe Tones, the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. He also enjoyed classical music, puzzles and reading.
Michael suffered two strokes several years ago, and has been living at Concord Royale assisted living until he was hospitalized. He enjoyed being part of that community.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, James and Vivian Hallissy, sisters Moira and Aileen, brother Kerry, sister-in-law Marianne and his grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives.
He is survived by his brother Fr. LaSalle (Sean), his sister Erin Hallissy, brother-in-law Henry Ushijima, nieces Philippa Marie Lorimor and Melissa Hallissy, and great-niece Eve Lorimor.
Michael recently made a significant donation to St. Mary's College High School to establish the Mike Hallissy '66 Panther Fund, which will help students on financial aid with money for such things as musical instruments, glasses, nice clothes for dress-up days, PE or sports gear, etc.
If you would like to make a donation in Michael’s name, please send it to the Mike Hallissy ’66 Panther Fund, c/o St. Mary’s College High School, 1294 Albina Ave., Berkeley, CA 94706.
The Hallissy family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center for their superior care of Michael.
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