John J. Hanlon, 101, died Saturday, January 30, 2016 in Dunedin Florida at the home of his daughter Patricia and her husband Joseph Pitts.
His beloved wife of 60 years, Mildred M. (Sullivan) Hanlon, predeceased him in 2000. He is survived by his 7 children, Eileen C. Bindley, John and his wife Deborah Hanlon, James and his wife Karen Hanlon, Patricia and her husband Joseph Pitts, Richard and his wife Phyllis Hanlon, Michael and his wife Virginia Hanlon, and Elizabeth and her husband Bruce Wood, his brother Edward Hanlon as well as 18 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his sisters, Margaret Santon and Claire Parker and by his son-in-law Robert Bindley.
He was born and raised in Worcester, son of the late John and Claire (Rourke) Hanlon. He entered the job market during the depression and so shoveled snow, assisted an electrician, peeled potatoes, caddied and made donuts before taking the Civil Service exam in 1942. He became a police officer and continued in that career for 38 years on the Worcester Police force, capping his career with a 5 year term as Chief of Police. He served as Secretary/Treasurer for the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. He earned a Masters degree from Clark University and assisted in the development of the Criminal Justice program at Clark. He was known on the job for his integrity, common sense and fairness.
Jack was an avid reader, averaging 1 book a day for many years. He was an accomplished golfer and especially enjoyed the game of tennis that he picked up after retirement. He and his wife Millie enjoyed many winters in Largo Florida.
He was a lifelong member of Ascension Church in Worcester. He will be especially remembered as a simple family man – putting the needs of others first, enjoying family vacations and reunions. He was a faithful and loving husband, father and father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend and he will be dearly missed.
Visiting hours for Mr. Hanlon will be on Friday, February 5th from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at CALLAHAN-FAY & CASWELL FUNERAL HOME, 61 MYRTLE ST., WORCESTER. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 6th at 9:30AM at St. John’s Church, 44 Temple St., Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worcester County Food Bank 474 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or to St. Vincent de Paul at 507 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01603.