John Michael Hannan, Jr.

John Michael Hannan Jr. (“Michael”), 76, of Carolina Shores, North Carolina, passed away on March 18, 2026, with his family by his side.

Born on October 31, 1949, in Medford, Massachusetts, Michael was the firstborn son of the late John Michael Hannan Sr. and Catherine (Sullivan) Hannan. He was raised in Malden, where he developed the strong roots, values, and an unmistakable Irish spirit that stayed with him throughout his life.

Michael proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era and received several service medals. His time in service reflected the quiet strength, reliability, and sense of duty that defined him.

He went on to build a long and respected career as an IT Manager with the Internal Revenue Service in Andover, Massachusetts, where he worked for over 30 years until his retirement in 2018. Known to his co-workers by his first name, John, and to many as “the best boss,” he led with a steady hand, a strong work ethic, and a sense of humor that made even difficult days easier. He formed genuine friendships that continued beyond his years at work, and he left a lasting impact on those who worked alongside him.

Michael brought an easy warmth wherever he went. A natural storyteller, he had a way of turning everyday moments into something memorable—retelling favorite stories with new twists, playful exaggerations, and a cast of characters brought to life with funny voices for his daughters and granddaughters. He was captivated by history and the stories of the past, loved word games, and was a whiz at Jeopardy, always ready with an answer or a clever remark.

As the oldest sibling, Michael was both a protector and a prankster—looking out for his brother and sisters while keeping them on their toes with his goofy antics. In adulthood, that bond only deepened; he was a loyal, generous brother with a big heart, someone his siblings could always count on.

Michael found his greatest joy in life’s simplest and most meaningful moments: vacations filled with laughter among close friends, lively family card games, and creating a sense of magic during the holidays. Music was often playing—especially favorites like Janet Jackson and Diana Ross—and he was happiest near the ocean, where trips to Hampton Beach brought back childhood memories he later recreated with his own daughters and granddaughters. He could always be won over with homemade chocolate chip cookies or a handful of jelly beans, small indulgences that perfectly matched his warm and playful spirit.

Above all, Michael was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife, Joan, built a life grounded in mutual respect, deep love, and true companionship—standing side by side through both the good times and the difficult ones. No matter the day, they never went to bed without saying “I love you,” a simple tradition that reflected the strength of their bond.

Michael was an exceptional father to his two daughters, raising them to be independent, kind, and confident in the knowledge that he would always be there for them. He was the kind of dad who stayed close—calling, texting, and showing up in every way that mattered, offering steady support, encouragement, and love throughout their lives.

That same devotion carried into his role as “Papa,” where his playful spirit and warmth shined even brighter. He shared a particularly special bond with his granddaughter Haley—the two were inseparable, true partners in crime, and the very best of friends.

Michael is survived by his wife and best friend of nearly 47 years, Joan Hannan of Carolina Shores, North Carolina, and their dog, Bella; his daughters, Kristian Hannan and Kym Hannan of North Andover, Massachusetts; and his granddaughters, Haley, Serenity, Aria, and Mila Hannan. He also leaves behind his siblings: Ann Barber and her husband Philip of Windham, New Hampshire; Richard Hannan and his wife Jayne of Malden, Massachusetts; and Kathy Hannan of Melrose, Massachusetts; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews whom he loved dearly.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Parish, 790 Salem Street in Malden, Massachusetts, on Saturday, May 9th at 11:30 a.m. A celebration of life will follow at 1:00 p.m. at All Seasons Table, 64 Pleasant Street in Malden. All who knew and loved Michael are warmly invited to attend and honor his memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, a cause meaningful to Michael. The family also encourages those who knew him to honor his legacy in the way he lived his life—by sharing stories, making others laugh, and holding loved ones close. We believe this would be the most meaningful tribute to his extraordinary life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.