Master Chief David P. Hanlon, 78, of Rochdale formerly of Auburn died Thursday, December 15th at St. Vincent Hospital. He leaves his wife of 55 years, Suzanne M. (Allaire) Hanlon; three sons, Patrick Hanlon and his wife, Leigh-Ann of Laconia, NH, Shane Hanlon and his wife, Nicole Vachon Hanlon of Pittsford, VT, and Eran David Hanlon and his husband, Chad Basile of Webster, NY; two sisters, Nancy Lucey and her husband, Edward of Auburn and Mary Hanlon-Stepanski of Blackstone; sister-in-law, Lianne Hanlon of Webster; four grandchildren, Kerrinh, Raynna, Ella, and Cedar; many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Dave also leaves his faithful companion, his dog, Ben. He was predeceased by a brother, Edward “Chip” Hanlon.
Dave was born in Worcester, the son of the late Edward and Rita (Splane) Hanlon, and graduated from Auburn High School. He continued his education, earning an Associate’s degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology, Bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University, and Master’s degree from Nichols College. A generous and devout Catholic, Dave was a member of St. Aloysius-St. Jude Church. He was a member of the Chester P. Tuttle Post 279, the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 36, the Massachusetts Highway Association, and the Worcester County Highway Association. He was also a proud supporter of the American Public Works Association.
Master Chief Hanlon was a decorated veteran serving as a Seabee with the United States Navy Seventh Naval Construction Regiment. He received the Navy Achievement Medal for his professional achievement from August 1992 until August 1996.
As a Civil Engineer, Dave had a notable career in public works, nationally recognized for his leadership and more greatly regarded for his friendship. After 40 years leading public works for several communities in the states of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, Dave retired as Director of Public Works for the town of North Reading, MA in 2009. However, he continued his career as a consultant assisting several organizations until 2018.
Dave will always be remembered for his charisma, charm, generosity, humor, warmth and dedication to his friends, colleagues, family and all those who have been fortunate enough to know him.
His funeral is Wednesday, December 21st from O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius-St. Jude Church, 491 Pleasant Street, Leicester. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Auburn. Calling hours are Tuesday, December 20th from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 209 West Central Street, Natick, MA 01760.