John W. Hanley

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE TO THE VISITATION LOCATION

John Hanley, self-described Luckiest Man in the USA™, died at home surrounded by his family on July 31,  2022 at the age of 69 from complications of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

John was born on August 19, 1952 in Saginaw, Michigan to Jack Hanley and Doreen (Goodrow) McIntyre.  He married Julie (Boyer) Hanley on December 2, 1995 in Ann Arbor, Michigan a relationship he described as The Greatest Love Story Ever Told.

John discovered his passion for teaching in midlife, earning a Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University in 1990, and both a BA in Education in 1985 and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan in 1992. He was a beloved educator for nearly thirty years, from junior high to the college level, retiring from Fraser Public Schools in 2014.  He had great respect for young people and enjoyed teaching and mentoring them until his death.  He cherished his ongoing relationships with students and enjoyed hearing of their achievements. John was known for his charm (a fatal Hanley curse). He had numerous interests which included writing, reading, and many forms of popular culture, especially music and comics. He loved camping at Interlochen State Park. He was also generally ahead of the curve in whatever was about to be hip.  Most of all, he delighted in being a father and husband. He cherished his family, of whom he was enormously proud.

John is survived by his Beloved Spousal Unit Julie, whom he was married to for 27 years; his children Walter, Eleanor, and Charles; his faithful canine companions Gus (Argos) and Zelda; his brothers Michael Hanley, Robert (Gigi) Hanley and sister Janet Hanley; his in-laws Ann Mercer, Mary Jo (Michael) Webb, Scott (Ellen) Boyer, Cheryl Boyer, Sue (Dan) McGrady, Nancy (Larry) Neiling;  beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; and a close knit group of lifelong cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Richard (Gloria) Hanley, and his brother-in-law Marc Mercer.

PLEASE NOTE:  THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION HAS CHANGED. THERE IS CURRENTLY A POWER OUTAGE AT THE FUNERAL HOME.

Visitation will take place at St. Kenneth Catholic Church on Thursday August 4, 2022 from 2-7 pm.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Kenneth Catholic Church on Friday August 5, 2022 at 10:30. 

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor John’s life may contribute to a scholarship being set up in his name.  Checks should be made payable to the Fraser Educational Foundation with John Hanley Memorial Scholarship in the memo. They can be mailed to the Fraser Schools Administration Building, 33466 Garfield, Fraser 48026.  

The family wishes to thank his healthcare team at The University of Michigan and his wonderful home caregiver Grace Morabito.  John’s quality of life was immeasurably enhanced by your care and kindness, which will not soon be forgotten.