Northborough – Alan Dennis Halper, age 72, of Northborough, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 8, 2023, with family by his side. He was born on May 9, 1950 in Middletown, NY. He is predeceased by his parents, Mike and Tillie Halper.
Al graduated from Rutgers University in 1972, where he was a brother of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and a middle distance runner, but his passion for track and field began in high school in Middletown, NY. After college, he taught in the Worcester Public Schools for 33 years and had a widely successful career as a track & field and cross country coach. He is recognized for creating and developing the Women’s Cross Country and Track programs at The College of the Holy Cross.
Following his 23 years at Holy Cross, he spent 19 years coaching at Worcester State University and then moved on to Fitchburg State University, Assumption University, and Ayer High School. Throughout these years, his coaching extended to Central Mass Striders, where he prepared runners for various races, including marathons. Al was known among his colleagues as an exceptional recruiter and for going above and beyond to support his athletes. Often taking them under his wing, many of his athletes considered Al a father figure.
Al enjoyed musicals, reading, crossword puzzles, kayaking, biking, golfing, and going for a run in purple tights or his Santa suit. He also enjoyed getting decked out in zippy, colorful suits for a night of dancing with his partner Pam, or for celebrating his athletes. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, watching their various activities or spending the day kayaking, biking, golfing or mini-golfing with them. Among friends and family, he was known for his tasty deviled eggs, latkes, and his ability to nap anywhere!
Al is survived by his partner, Pam Jones (Van Fleet), of Northborough; his sister, Marsha Longshore (Hal Beder); his sons, Sean Halper and Mason (Kara) Halper; his step-daughters, Ronni-Lynn (Rich) Lindeman; Lauri (Sean) Walsh; and grandchildren, Owen & Colin Walsh, and Dublin & Nola Lindeman.
For those attending services, the family would love for you to wear purple or bright colors in honor of Al. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 4-7 pm at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St, Northborough, MA. The funeral service will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 10:30 am at Trinity Church, 23 Main St, Northborough, with a procession to Howard Street Cemetery for the burial.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to GoHolyCross.com/InMemoryofAl and designate your donation to “Women’s Cross Country / Track & Field” at The College of the Holy Cross.
For more information, or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
