Peter Daniel Hallissy Print

Peter Daniel Hallissy


Peter Daniel Hallissy, of Cotuit, but formerly of Lowell, MA passed away peacefully on August 6, 2022, at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The best days of his long life were those spent with Rebecca, his wife of nearly fifteen years.

Born in Biddeford, Maine, on July 3, 1940, he was the son of the late John J. and the late Sheila (Battle) Hallissy. Peter grew up in Lowell and was a graduate of St. Margaret Grammar School and Keith Academy Class of 1958.

After graduation, he enlisted in the 26th Yankee Division of the National Guard and held a lifelong respect for veterans and an interest in military history.

Peter was a self-made man, a visionary in his field. His passion for automobiles took him from Peter’s Auto Sales on Moody Street in Lowell in the 1960s to multiple dealerships in the Merrimack Valley: Colonial Chevrolet in Chelmsford, Hallissy Chevrolet and Hallissy Lincoln Mercury in Lowell, the innovative Auto Mall in Tewksbury and finally, Dartmouth Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep in North Dartmouth, MA. His Lowell complex was one of the largest auto dealerships in the United States at the time.

He retired in 2009, but never lost his love for cars and the business. His employees were family and remained with him for decades, and he was a generous supporter of community causes.

Peter is survived by his beloved wife Rebecca (Procopio) Hallissy of Cotuit, and his dear sister, Sheila Hallissy of Lowell, his brother-in-law Mark Procopio of La Jolla CA., as well as many cousins from coast to coast. He was predeceased by his stepson Christian Ewton, with whom he shared a deep and loving bond.

Peter and Rebecca enjoyed life on the Cape and they frequently travelled to Rebecca’s hometown of La Jolla, California, and to Palm Beach, Florida, but a part of his heart always remained in Lowell. “What’s going on in Lowell?” and “What’s in the Sun?” were always of interest. He cherished his many friends.

It was Peter’s wish that services be private with no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time. Those wishing may make donations in his memory to Peter and Rebecca’s favorite charities the Boston Children’s Hospital www.childrenshospital.org , the Pine Street Inn www.pinestreetinn.org , and Feed the Children www.feedthechildren.org. E-condolences to www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME – LOWELL – MA – (978) – 458-8768.

Condolences (3)
  • 2022-08-23 17:02:19 | Cheri Buchanan
    My deepest sympathies to all of Peter's family and friends. I was sorry to hear of his passing. Peter was a wonderful and caring man. I worked at his dealership in Lowell and have many memories and life long friends from that time. Godspeed my friend.
  • 2022-08-14 21:59:32 | A. Richard (Dick) Hanlon
    I first met Peter when he bought Butler Chevrolet in the mid 1970's, and became a Director on the Bank Board of Lowell Bank & Trust Company, where I was the Branch Manager of the Bank located on Rogers Street, right down the street from Hallissy Chevrolet. Danny Quirk worked for Peter at that time as well. I have fond memories of financing new cars for customers buying a new auto from Peter @ Hallissy Chevrolet. R.I.P., Peter.
  • 2022-08-14 14:57:47 | Leslie Martin Liakos
    My condolences to the Hallissy family on the passing of your beloved Peter. My Aunt Lillian Cronin was best friends with your Aunt Eileen Battle. Eileen often spoke so highly of Peter and his sister, Sheila. Eileen was so proud of you both! May you all know how loved Peter was by so many in his great city of Lowell! May God Bless you all during this difficult time.
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