Joseph Hanley II

JOSEPH PATRICK HANLEY II Passed away peacefully at his home in Tarzana on May 4, 2007. He was 81 years old. Born and raised in Limerick, Ireland, he emigrated initially to Toronto, Canada in the 1950's and eventually settled in the San Fernando Valley area of southern California. Joe was married to Christina "Peggy" Cross, also of Limerick, for 54 years. He had a deep appreciation for his adopted country that provided him the opportunity to raise his family: sons, Michael (deceased as an infant), Joseph, Kevin, James, Patrick and Vincent; daughter, Caroline McKnight; three daughters-in-law, a son-in-law, and 14 grandchildren. But his loyalty to his beloved Eire never diminished. Having played for the Richmond Rugby Football Club as a young man and been Captain of the 1945-46 Munst er Junior Cup Championship team, he earned the reputation for "safe hands and plenty of grit". During his Richmond days he acquired the nickname, "Jogger Hanley," after continuously being seen jogging around the city. A leisurely pace through life was never his plan, nor his demeanor. His nickname is still widely known today in Ireland, Canada, and the United States and is often uttered by friends too numerous to count. At his home, he had an open door policy before it was vogue; friends and family from Lim erick traveled to Toronto and California to stay with him. In 1991 he retired from Hertz Car Rental after 33 years which left him with more time to follow his Fighting Irish. For Joe, a Notre Dame game was an occasion in and of itself. We will miss the big heart that belied his sharp-tongued wit, his unexpected playfulness, and his traditional Irish songs. The services will be held at the San Fernando Mission Chapel in Mission Hills, California, on Friday, May 11th. Viewing at 11:30 a.m., followed by the funeral mass at 12:00 noon. Interment at San Fernando Mission Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in the name of Joseph Hanley may be sent to the Los Angeles Widows, Orphans and Disabled Fireman's Fund, 2900 West Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026.