John Lawrence Hanlon, 87, of Medway, formerly of Franklin, died March 7th surrounded by his loving family in his home. He was the husband of the late Theresa A. (Gaffney) Hanlon for over 58 years.
Born in Auburn, Maine, December 13, 1927, the son of the late John and Julia (King), Mr. Hanlon lived in Franklin raising his family from 1958-1984, then the family moved to Medway where he and his wife Theresa resided until a few months ago.
John graduated from Edward Little High School where he was an outstanding member of the football and baseball team. He did one year of post high school education at Hebron Academy in Hebron, Maine, then went on to American International College in Springfield, MA where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree in teaching.
Early in his career, John was a social studies teacher at the Wellesley Middle School. He passed along his experience in sports as a football and baseball coach. He worked 32 years in the Wellesley school system, retiring in 1990 as assistant principal.
In his spare time, he enjoyed yard work and will always be remembered for his annual bounty of tomatoes that he grew in his garden.
John is survived by his children, John “Jack” Hanlon and his wife Cathy of Glen Gardner, New Jersey, Mary Jane Hanlon of Lexington, Lisa Bussolari and her husband Michael of Medfield, Maureen Novak and her husband Dale of San Antonio, Texas, Marcia Hanlon of Concord and Mark Hanlon and his wife Tracy of Saratoga, New York.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lauren Senter, Courtney Rogers, Michaela Hanlon and John Hanlon III.
He was the brother of the late William Hanlon and Richard Hanlon of Lisbon Maine and Delores Mottram of Auburn, Maine.
Calling hours at Ginley Crowley Funeral Home (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com), 3 Barber Street in Medway will be on Friday, March 13th, from 4-8 p.m.
His funeral will be held on Saturday, March 14th, from the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home at 9:15 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Medway at 10:00 am. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wellesley Scholarship Foundation in memory of John L. Hanlon, P.O. Box 81207, Wellesley, MA 02481.