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FR. FRANCIS X HANLEY
FR. FRANCIS X HANLEY
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FRANCIS HANLEY Obituary
79, of Bethel Park, PA, a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit died Thursday, December 23, 2010. Father Hanley was born April 23, 1931 in Wilmington DE. He professed his vows August 22, 1954 at Holy Ghost Novitiate, Ridgefield CT and was ordained to the priesthood June 4, 1959 at St. Mary's Seminary, Ferndale, Norwalk CT. He became a member of the faculty of Holy Ghost Preparatory School, Bensalem PA in 1961 and in 1968 was named Head Master of the School and served in that capacity until 1977. He was assigned to Duquesne University, Pittsburgh PA, 1977, and was the cofounder of the Duquesne Apostolate for the Deaf, which is now the Pittsburgh Catholic Office for the Deaf. In August of 1983 he was appointed a member of the Spiritans International Novitiate Team in Quebec, Canada, and in 1987 Superior of Bethel Animation Center, now the Spiritan Center, Bethel Park, PA. He returned to Duquesne University, July 1999, and worked in the areas of student life and campus ministry and was also Assistant Superior of the Spiritan Community at Trinity Hall on campus. January 2005 brought him back to the Spiritan Center as superior until his retirement in 2006, where he resided at Sacred Heart Parish, Emsworth and did replacement ministry for the Congregation. He was a resident of Libermann Hall, Bethel Park since March 2010. Father Hanley was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Helen (Groff) Hanley; his brother, Joseph and sister, Kathleen Hartnett. He is survived by his brother, Paul (Marie) Hanley of Hockessin, DE and his sister Marianne (Jerry) Rea, Huber Heights OH; and many nieces and nephews. There will be viewing at the Spiritan Center, 6230 Brush Run Road, Bethel Park, Tuesday, December 29, 3:00-5:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. and Wednesday December 29, 9:00 - 1030 a.m., followed by Mass of Resurrection. Burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, O'Hara Township, Pittsburgh PA. In memory of Fr. Hanley, donations may be made to the Spiritans designated for retirement or for the education of future Holy Spirit Fathers, 6230 Brush Run Road, Bethel Park PA 15102.
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Jane Aguirre
April 2, 2011
I knew Father Hanley from my days as a student at Eden Hall. He was a kind, generous and loving counselor to me.
After Mass on Sundays he would take me to his office at Holy Ghost Prep and we'd just talk for hours. Then he'd take me with him to his sister's family Sunday dinner.
I will never forget him.
March 28, 2011
"I might have even called your name as i ran searching after something to believe in." Bob Lind's words sung by my heart to this dear person when I was a teenager.
My life was wrapped in music, and during my teenage years I went to Father Hanley sometimes for counseling. I had a very real crush on him yet his wisdom knew that I was learning to love God through trusting this dear friend.
I had not spoken to him in decades, but always thought about him and searched for contact information; I finally found him and left a message on his phone weeks before he passed.
Thanks for gently, ever so gently, lifting my face towards God. I will never forget you ... "To My Sir, With Love."
Terry Agzigian
Thomas Flynn
January 17, 2011
I first met Father Hanley in 1961 while attending Holy Ghost Prep. I remember him as a kind and gentle man always ready to help. In 1970 a few years after I graduated he helped my sister in law and her fiance working out their marriage plans when my in laws were placing obstaces in their way. He will be missed here on earth but I am sure he is now with God.
Tom Flynn '63
January 13, 2011
Father Hanley gave retreats in Charleston, WV for the Cenacle Sisters and was well loved. In addition, he studied private piano with me. The latter testifies to his ongoing love of learning and ability to take risks.
Sister Carole Riley, CDP, Ph.D.
Professor of Music
Director of Graduate Studies
Duquesne University
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January 8, 2011
I met Fr. Hanley in the early 90's as Rector of the Animation Center in Bethel Park. He was a spiritual director for our little prayer group and one of the kindest people I ever met.
My niece who was the first grandchild had to move to Las Vegas to take her first teaching position out of college. She stayed in Vegas and when it was time to marry, she and her fiance made their plans. Being the first grandchild, Bonnie was particularly close to my father and wanted him to be at the wedding. My father would not fly, nor drive that distance because of health reasons. My niece was beside herself. I told her I would speak with Fr. Hanley and he wholeheartedly agreed to marry them in Pittsburgh. With his help the wedding fell into place with 4 weeks planning. Unheard of...he married them at Duquesne Chapel (unbelieveably there was an opening on that day). The venue for the reception....unbelievably had a cancellation the same day. Fr. Hanley made all of the arrangements with my nieces church in Vegas and also gave my niece and her husband the marriage lessons they needed for diocesan o.k.
To make the story better...my niece had been married for quite awhile and just assumed she would not have children. But, she did have a son....again they came home to Pittsburgh so my father, her grandfather could see Nathaniel baptized but none of the churches of the family members whould baptize Nathanial. Again, we called Fr. Hanley and he was delighted to bestow the sacrament on Nate.
Anyone who knew Fr.Hanley, could count on his encompassing love and compassion. I pray we will see him again....but only sad he won't be in our earthly lives. Yet, I know he is interceding even more at the heavenly throne...I would say to the family, we will pray for him but I know ....his life was a prayer!!! We love you Father. Frannie Stone and Family.....Bonnie Peffer Wilkins, Nate and Rich
Peter Bogucki, HGP '71
January 8, 2011
Father Hanley was headmaster of Holy Ghost Prep when I was a student there. HGP flourished under his leadership and the sense of commmunity among students, parents, faculty, and alumni that he fostered. In the classroom, he challenged us to think for ourselves and to ask difficult questions. He will be missed.
Joe Adams
January 5, 2011
When I enrolled at Holy Ghost prep in 1973, I was the only minority in the student body. Fr. Hanley reached out to my family and made sure that we were thoroughly immersed in the HGP family and that my years there were the best that they could possibly be. My mom thought so highly of him that we asked him to officiate her funeral mass many years later. To his family, take comfort in knowing that he was the very definition of "class" and that he is now enjoying his well deserved reward.
Rich Shaginaw
January 4, 2011
Father Hanley was Headmaster in my days as a student at Holy Ghost Prep. I had the good fortune of catching up with him several times since then, including just this past May. He touched so many lives and left his mark on all of us. I thank God for knowing him. And I wish his family comfort and peace.
Mimi Foster Stone
January 2, 2011
Fr. Hanley married my husband & I in September of 1991. He made the trip to Atlanta from Pennsylvania, which was very special to me. He also married many of my siblings. He was a life long friend of my parents and family. I have many memories of Fr. Hanley spending Sunday dinners with us when we lived in Bensalem. He always had a kind word, big smile, & was always happy to be with us. He will be missed & I am blessed that he crossed my path in life. You will always be in my prayers! Love - Mimi Foster Stone
Mary Anne Curran
December 30, 2010
Fr. Hanley was one of my dearest friends and my most understanding counselor and confidant. Although it is wonderful for him to be a peace in his eternal reward, it is a huge loss and I will miss him terribly. I could always count on him and I loved him dearly.
December 29, 2010
Eternal rest grant unto him and let the perpetual light shine upon him...
Lisa & Timothy Barton
December 29, 2010
Dearest Father Hanley, he married my wife and I in Oct.of 2005 at Assumption of BVM Parish in Bellevue, PA and also was my spirtual guide and director while I was a student at Duquesne U. Your amazing presence will be sorely missed, we love you so much Fr. Hanley, please pray for us and give Simeon a hug and a kiss from his mom and dad...
Lord welcome into Thy presence Thy dearest son Francis whom Thou hast called from this life, bless him with eternal light and peace, raise him up to live forever with all Thy Saints in the glory of the resurrection. Through Christ Our Lord Amen!
Paul Quolke
December 27, 2010
To the Family of Father Hanley,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Father Hanley. I had the opportunity to meet him at Sacred Heart, where he spoke fondly of his sister from Huber Heights. I will keep him in our prayers, along with all of his family. We appreicate his faithful service to the Catholic Church.
Love,
SK Paul F. Quolke
DGK/Council 14504
St. Francis of Assisi
Centerville OH
Tom Welch
December 26, 2010
Dear Family of Father Fran,
What a delightful man who shared so much with so many. He was loved by all who knew him. He has earned his place in the home of his Father. We will always miss but never forget him.
Colleen Bowers
December 26, 2010
To the Congregation of the Holy Spirit and Father Hanley's immediate family:
We of the Pennsylvania LAOH State Board share in the passing of Father Francis X. hanley. He was currently our Pennsylvania LAOH State Chaplain, Allegheny County LAOH Chaplain, Past State LAOH Chaplain & Past National LAOH Chaplain. He was a man lived our motto of Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity and will be truely missed.
His passing is a special loss to me as serving as my Chaplain and marrying my son.
May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.May the sun shine warm upon your face.May the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.
Colleen D. Bowers
PA State LAOH President
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