Cumberland - Albert Hallal, 90, of Cumberland, devoted husband, incredible father, loving brother and uncle, caring and generous friend, and best grandfather any child could ask for, fell asleep in the Lord peacefully on December 8, 2020 listening to Frank Sinatra music. Al was larger than life and loved being surrounded by people. Al was born in Pawtucket to the late James and Mary (Hamod) Hallal and a large and loving extended family. After graduating from East High School, he volunteered to serve in the US Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Al treasured his years in the armed services. He made lifelong friends while training to be a chef and medic. Those chef skills came in handy years later as he became the family food critic. After the service, he entered barber school and met the love of his life, Victoria (Ganim) Hallal. They spent the next 64 years raising their children and lavishing their grandchildren with love.
Al eventually became the sole proprietor of the Village Barbershop in South Attleboro where he excelled in his craft for over 45 years. Al was well-versed in all subject areas and carried on meaningful conversations with each of his clients. He had great empathy for everyone he encountered. Although not professionally trained, he had amazing counseling skills, and many felt uplifted by the time they left their appointment with him. The barbershop became a social club for many of his friends, amongst them business and political leaders in the community. The haircut was secondary, and Al was formally recognized by the State of Rhode Island House of Representatives for his many years of excellent service. He was devoted to his clients and for many decades did pro bono work for those who became homebound. He went on to open Al’s Barbershop in Cumberland, RI where he worked until 88 years of age. Truly an amazing accomplishment.
Al was a life-long parishioner of St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church, Pawtucket, where he served on the Parish Council for many years.
Al was a die-hard Boston sports fan, and nothing brought him more pleasure than when the Red Sox won the 2004 Championship. He attended the first-ever Patriots Game in Foxboro and cherished all six Super Bowl titles. Al loved all things Celtics, especially their dynastic years of the 50s and 60s. This will be the first Celtics season in franchise history where Al will not be cheering them on.
Al was completely devoted to his family. He leaves his beloved wife, Victoria Hallal and his loving children: Karen Vachon and her husband Linus of Wayland MA, James Hallal and his wife Paula of Cumberland and David Hallal and his wife Terrie of Sudbury, MA, two cherished brothers, Ronald Hallal of North Attleborough, MA and James Hallal, Jr. of Pawtucket. He was the brother of the late John Hallal. He is also survived by many loving sisters and brothers by marriage including Lorna Hallal, William Salhany, Mitry and Gloria Ganim, Carolyn Ganim, Louise Hamwey and Mary and John Cahaly. He was pre-deceased by Janice Hallal, George and Rose Ganim, Margaret and Fred Eid, Very Reverend Herbert Nahas and Alice Nahas, Ruth Salhany, Rita and Richard Whittaker, Elias Ganim, and Robert Hamwey. Al also adored his many nieces and nephews.
Al had several health issues over the past decade, yet he persevered. His ailments became secondary when he visited with his grandchildren: Kathryn and Lauren Vachon, Jonathan, Nicholas and Jack Hallal and Joshua Hallal.
We’d like to thank the many people who helped Al in the last few years including Reynaldo, Mirian and Eloisa and the staff of ARA in Pawtucket.
Due to COVID-19, a public celebration of his life will be held in the spring. Burial with military honors will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery, Pawtucket. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church, Out-Reach Program, 249 High Street, Pawtucket, R.I. 02860 would be greatly appreciated. For online guest book, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements with Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Albert Hallal, please visit our floral store.