On December 10th, Arthur Francis Fallon,(77), – devoted husband, beloved father & grandfather, and loyal friend— ended his long and arduous struggle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marianna (Pierson), and children Matthew (AnnaMarie Ricci), Kelley (Peter Kobella), Rachel (James Webb), Aasha (Bill Trowbridge), Gayathri (EnakshaWickremsinhe), and his grandchildren Marisha, Fiona, Liam, Lawrence, Thomas, Nina, David, Greta, Abram.
Born in Quincy, MA, December 16, 1941, Arthur moved to Terre Haute, IN, as a student and athlete of Indiana StateUniversity, his time & professors there being a life-changing turning point for a positive new trajectory. He met and married his wife, started a family, and after graduating began his first career of teaching. He taught history and coached both football and wrestling at Marion High School. After earning his Master’s, he taught at Schulte High School, a place he remembered ever-after as an exemplar of both academic and collegial character.
Upon moving back to Quincy, he was a teacher and coach at North Quincy High School for several years before changing careers and becoming a merchant mariner with Exxon Mobil. Family, viewed expansively as “what you make it,” was always his focal point, opening his home to many people throughout the years including numerous exchange students. He eventually moved back to Indiana, settling in Indianapolis and Franklin; each step open to new experiences, and in each finding special friends who would remain significant throughout his life.
Upon retirement, he had more time for his interests: reading, gardening, collecting thought-provoking quotations or merely funny jokes and tall tales to share with his growing clan of grand children, which eventually numbered nine. Retirement allowed he and his wife to travel extensively, and make newfriends around the world. Even in illness, he prioritized family and lived true to his beliefs. One of his favorite quotes, from the poem Invictus: “Beyond this place of wrath and tears looms but the horror of the shade. And yet the menace of the years finds, and shall find, me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.
A funeral mass will be said for Arthur at St. Monica’sCatholic Church on Thursday, December 20th, at 10:00 a.m. A celebration of his life will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the 9 Irish Brothers Pub on Massachusetts Ave. in Indy. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to ISU.
I regret that I didn’t know Mr. Fallon had returned to Indiana. Had I known, I would have undoubtedly sought him out to say hello again, and thank you. He was my teacher and coach many years ago at Schulte High School in Terre Haute. He was as classy a man that I have known, highly principled and to the point. I particularly remember the respect he had for women, particularly Mrs. Fallon.
I would have loved to have talked with him in later life. I would have told him the impression he made on me and so many of my friends. The self discipline he had and the way he took care of himself in the weight room that was most impressive.
Mr. Fallon described as a family man makes sense. Being a gardener kind of does. I can definitely see him boring a room with those quotes. But most of all, him being unafraid and a master of his fate –that pretty much nails it.
Deepest sympathy for you Mariianna and your family.I first met Art at football practice,he was one of team leaders.
After graduation we were both assistant coaches at Schulte High School.Art was a loyal team mate and friend. He
He was always proud of his family. Sorry I can’t be there but you and Art is my prayers.
Mike
Kelley, Marianna and family, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss and our hearts go out to you for the especially difficult time over these last few months. We hope that time connecting with family brings some comfort to you. Nicole and Marcus Tooze
Kelley, I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Feelings of deep sorrow are at odds with the mood of the season and compound feelings of grief. I extend my heartfelt condolences to you and your family for your great loss.