Edward J. Hanlon, 98, of Auburn died Tuesday December 12th at home surrounded by his family. His wife of 67 years, Rita K. (Splane) Hanlon died in 2007. He leaves a son, David P. Hanlon and his wife, Suzanne of Rochdale; two daughters, Nancy M. Lucey and her husband, Edward and Mary Stepanski all of Auburn; a daughter-in-law, Lianne Hanlon of Webster; nine grandchildren, Patrick Hanlon and his wife, Leigh-Ann, Shane Hanlon and his wife, Nicole, Eran Hanlon and his husband, Chad Basile, Sean Lucey and his wife, Andrea, Shannon Lucey, Matthew Stepanski, Matthew Dixon and his wife, Candice, Philip Dixon and his wife, Kalli and Karen Yasick and her husband, Jeffrey; 15 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Edward “Chip” Hanlon; four siblings, James, John, Claire and Margaret.
He was born in Worcester the son of John J. and Claire M. (Rourke) Hanlon. Mr. Hanlon was a 1937 graduate of Classical High School and a business graduate of Worcester Junior College. He served during World War II in the Third Army, 29th Infantry Division as a communications expert under the leadership of General George Patton. He remained a member of the American Legion. He was a resident of Auburn, Mass for 63 years. During that time he served as the Chairman of the Democratic Town committee and was a long time member of the Pakachoag Golf Course committee. In addition, he was teacher and Director of the CCD Program for thirty years at both St. Joseph’s and North American Martyrs in Auburn. For his contribution he received the Pro Deo Award from Bishop Flanagan of the Diocese of Worcester. He retired as Senior Vice President of Sales from Johnson Corrugated, Inc. of Thompson, Connecticut after sixty years of employment, where he also served as a member of the Board of Directors. He was a member of the Coffee Klatch at McDonalds in Auburn, meeting for many, many years with his friends and golfing buddies. He worked as assistant to George Fournier serving meals as the “bun-man” at the Auburn Senior Center, Jeremiah’s Inn, and Abby’s House. In addition to his many interests, Mr. Hanlon especially enjoyed tennis and golf and at the young age of ninety, made his first and last hole-in-one at Bay Path Golf Course in East Brookfield.
His funeral is Saturday, December 16th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 9:00 AM in North American Martyrs Church, 8 Wyoma Drive, Auburn. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday, December 15th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Auburn Visiting Nurses Association or to North American Martyrs Parish.