Francis Xavier HANLON

HANLON, Francis "Fran" Xavier August 27, 1941 – August 15, 2025

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home, with his family on August 15. Born on August 27, 1941, Fran lived a life marked by generosity, humor, patience and steadfast love. He expressed that love every single day, in ways both big and small.

Born in Albany, NY, to Roger and Olga "June" Hanlon, Fran grew up in Skaneateles, NY, in a household where faith, family and fun were at the heart of life. With a professional baseball player for a father, athletic brothers, a hockey rink across the street and a pitching mound in the backyard, sports were woven into his childhood.

Fran attended Deerfield Academy and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1964, where he was a four-letter athlete, captain of the varsity basketball team and a member of the Phi Delta Alpha Fraternity. He went on to earn his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, later practicing corporate and real estate law in Boston for 40 years. Together, Fran and his wife, Josie, built a blended family of six children, raising them in Duxbury and later Boston, before retiring to Norwich, VT, where they enjoyed the beauty, tranquility and cows of the countryside. In 2019, they returned to Duxbury to be close to family.

Fran was the rock of his family: a constant source of kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength. He had a rare gift for making those around him feel seen and valued, whether through his thoughtful advice, a loving wink, or his steady optimism. Affectionately called "Moo Pop" and "Poppy" by his children and grandchildren, he was a true role model and a source of endless affection.

His humor and warmth were defining traits. He had a knack for putting others at ease and was a friend to everyone he met. His lighthearted spirit shone through in playful sayings such as "Hey gang," "We've got to catch a flight," or "No flies on that!". His children fondly recall his good-natured mix-ups when calling them by name, often slipping in the dog's name before getting it right.

He guided his family with patience and wisdom, supporting each child as they forged their own path. Whether the journey meant multiple colleges, career changes, or searching for love, Fran offered gentle counsel and steady reassurance. His advice was often the first call his children made in times of uncertainty and his words of encouragement and discernment will remain with them always.

Beyond his devotion to family and friends, Fran loved the outdoors and cherished time on the golf course. He found joy in biking and exploring with Josie, hiking mountains, wading in rivers and tending his garden. He delighted in life's simple pleasures: harvesting vegetables, sitting in the afternoon sun after a long week or sharing a meal with loved ones.

Fran's legacy is one of love, integrity, compassion, laughter, humility, grace, and unwavering presence. He will forever be remembered as our rock: steady, strong and deeply loved.

Fran is survived by his wife, Josie (Fox) Hanlon; his children and their spouses: Cathy Post-Meier & Jon Meier, Susan Hanlon-Knies, son-in-law, David Knies, Jonathan & Katie Hanlon, Jennifer & Jon MacQuarrie, David & Allison Fogg and Robin Fogg & Nick Popoff; his grandchildren, Alex, Caroline, Lilly, Alexandra, Hadley, Ben, Zac, Henry, Lilah, Chloe, and Lucia; and his brothers, Roger and Bob.

A Celebration of his Life will be held on September 6, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., at St. John the Evangelist, in Duxbury, MA, with a reception to follow. Guests are encouraged to wear happy, bright colors, Fran's favorite. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Fran may be made to Targeting A Cure Fund at Massachusetts General Hospital in support of lung cancer research. Gifts can be made online at www.giving.massgeneral.org/donate please include "Fran Hanlon" on the memo line.