Dr. William Halpern, born in Washington DC on April 29, 1935, grew up in Utica, New York and passed away Monday, February 10, 2020.

Bill received his bachelor's degree from the University of Syracuse, his master's degree from the University of Arkansas, and his doctorate in Chemistry Education from the University of Iowa. He met Jeanne, his wife of 53 years, and adopted her two children, Julie and Paul; while an assistant professor at Fort Hays State University. Together they had Monya and Rachel.

In 1969, the University of West Florida recruited Bill. He served as a chemistry professor and a student advisor for over thirty three years. Post retirement in 2001, Bill and Jeanne enjoyed many years of travel and fun, visiting family and friends. Camping, Biloxi excursions, and weekly family dinners were favorite pastimes.

Bill continued to stay connected to his university family through poker games and the dining out club, also assisting with development of a new Ft. Walton enterprise, Aqua Resources.

A Rotarian, Bill devoted his life to teaching and helping others, working to instill a sense of pride in those things he treasured most, family and education.

The impact he made on his family, friends, students, and colleagues will not soon be forgotten.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Tillie Halpern.

He is survived by his wife Jeanne; children : Julie Schweitzer , Paul Halpern; Monya Curtis, Rachel (John) Hale, Grandchildren : Brittney & Breanna Schweitzer, Makenna & Colton Curtis, Kyah Storniolo, Avery & Brooklyn Hale, Great –grandchild: Louella Mead; his brother, Michael (Edna) Halpern; brother by choice, Dennis (Judy) Thomas and many other loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 16, 2020 in Pensacola, Florida at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. No burial service in lieu of cremation. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or Humane Society.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the Thomas, Curtis , Storniolo and Nguyen families, Doctors: J. Buckley, J. Wade, P. Kumari, West Florida and Sacred Heart Hospitals, Covenant Home Health, Olive Branch Rehabilitation Center support staff, Harper-Morris, and all his great neighbors, especially the Payne, Williamson, and Craig Osburn families.