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James Hanrahan Obituary

HANRAHAN-James F., Sr. James F. Hanrahan, Sr., innovative educator and founder of St. Thomas More School in Oakdale, CT and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend has died at the age of 82 surrounded by family. Jim leaves his beloved wife Patricia (Sweeney), 13 children, 33 grandchildren and one great grandchild. As a dad, he instilled the importance of a close knit family unit, religion and education and was happiest when with family. While teaching in the 1950's, he envisioned an all boys' school for the ``underachiever.'' In 1962 he fulfilled his dream by founding St. Thomas More School that has shaped the lives of thousands of young men. Born in Waterbury, CT in 1923, Jim attended Sacred Heart School and Crosby High. Important early influences were relatives Msgr. William Fox and Rev. Michael J. McGivney, founder of ``The Knights of Columbus.'' After studying in the seminary, he transferred to Georgetown University, graduating in 1947, earning his Masters from Fairfield University in 1952. As a teacher at Fairfield Prep, he coached men's basketball at Fairfield University, and was inducted into their sports Hall of Fame. Later, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Fairfield for founding STM. A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday June 24th in Our Lady Chapel at St. Thomas More School. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the James F. Hanrahan Memorial Fund at STM, 45 Cottage Road, Oakdale, CT.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Jun. 3, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for James Hanrahan

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JAMPA PRYOR

July 20, 2019

Sometimes it is hard for people to understand the effect of their efforts in molding who we are today. Mr. Handrahan and his family though their efforts and kindness have brought blessings of leadership and dedication to all. Although I only spent one and a half years as a student of St. Thomas Moore, the experience has lasted me a lifetime. My condolence to his family. I played basketball, football and baseball I was known as Del then. With great love I say thank you.

Anita Jones

June 25, 2006

Dave, Bridgette and the Hanrahan family.



Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. We also recently lost our father.





Kolster "Buddy" Jones, Jr.(Parrish, FL)

The Banks Family

June 19, 2006

My prayers go out to your entire family. I recently lost my grandfather (May 14, 2006) – I looked for comfort in the Bible. Recently I read a scripture that says that God is near to those that are broken at heart and those who are crushed in spirit he saves (Psalms 34:18). I was so encouraged by the scripture and I hope you are too. My prayer is that you can find comfort in this time of great grief.

Vincent Hayes

June 8, 2006

To John Hanrahan, thanks for your help in my life. To the Hanrahan family sorry for your lost, he was a great man. STM 1967

Davita

June 5, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hanrahan Family at this sad time.

Donald, Susan and Andrew Taft

June 4, 2006

We join, with the rest of the St. Thomas More family in expressing our heartfelt condolences to the Hanrahan clan on the passing of their dad and grandfather. Our son Andrew has many fond memories of his three years at the school and how well he was treated by various members of the Hanrahan family in particular its patriarch. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Brian Hurley

June 2, 2006

To the Hanrahan family;

On behalf of the Hurley family, please accept our deepest sympathy. My time at STM proved to be a great stepping stone. Know that your family will be in our prayers at this difficult time.

Brian D. Hurley

STM PG 1990-91

Charles Murphy

June 2, 2006

Mr. Hanrahan is (and I say “is” because his spirit will be with us forever) a wonderful husband, father and friend.



Pat, Karen, Maura, Sheila, Jamie, Packy, Kathy, Collie, Julie, Sean, Lynn, Bridget, Liz and Eileen you will always be in my prayers!

Love

Tammy Grimsey

June 2, 2006

To Mrs. Hanrahan and the sons and daughters of Mr. Hanrahan Sr. Your husband and father has touched so many lives. He leaves behind not only the legacy of St. Thomas More School, but also an example of the true meaning of "Family" He always had a smile on his face and an encouraging word. His memory will live on forever. My thoughts are with all of you and the STM community. I am grateful to have known such an incredible man and to have worked at such a wonderful place.

He will be truly missed.

Tammy Grimsey

Former Employee STM

Don Levine

June 1, 2006

Mr.Hanrahan as I know him was a unique and pleasant gentleman, a great innovative educator. I had the pleasure of meeting him over the years not only on campus but when he made many visits to Colchester. I truly enjoyed his expertise and guidance. As an educator I know of his importance to the graduates of St. Thomas More, his family, friends, and all that had the pleasure of ever meeting him. With love and respect for the Hanrahan Family.

Cheryl Cottrell

June 1, 2006

You are in my thoughts and prayers. He will be missed...

Deborah and Ernest Beckwith

June 1, 2006

To Julie Hanranhan, her children and the entire Hanranhan family our deepest sympathy for your loss

Bill Witchie

June 1, 2006

Jim and his family have my thoughts, prayers and love. Having grown up with all of them,working there as well, I have fond memories to keep with me.

THE BAKER FAMILY

June 1, 2006

We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Diane B. Earl

June 1, 2006

With deepest sympathy for your loss. I will always remember Jim's generosity to Theresa, and keep him in my prayers.

Diane Earl

Wim and Kathy Ang

June 1, 2006

Mr. Hanrahan was a great man who will be greatly missed. Our prayers and sympathy go to all the members of his family and to all whose lives he touched.

Dawn Penman

June 1, 2006

To the entire Hanrahan Family, we are deeply sorry for your loss.

Always,

The Penman Family

Byron Lasseter

June 1, 2006

I was one of Jim's students at Prep, class of '58. He was an inspiring teacher.

My deepest sympathy goes out to his family.



Sincerely,

James Flynn

June 1, 2006

A great loss of a great man.

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