John Frederick Hanigan

John Frederick Hanigan, age 74, passed away in his home on November 5, 2022.

John was born on October 23, 1948 in Corning, New York to John L. Hanigan and Mary (Cameron). After losing his birth mother in the early years of life, John was adopted by his stepmother Elsa Stelter.

Upon graduating from high school John joined the United States Navy where he served our country for 18 years. Multiple tours of duty sailing throughout the world on US aircraft carriers, destroyers, cruisers, and support vessels formed the foundation of John's passion for ships and the high seas. Following his service in the Navy where he reached and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO), John was employed at the Norfolk Navy Shipyard. Eventually John moved to Washington D.C. and worked at the municipal wastewater treatment plant until his retirement capping a lifelong career as a public servant.

John channeled his joy of travel on the high seas with frequent trips on some of the world's greatest passenger cruise ships where he traveled with family and made new friends. Those who loved John knew he had a no-nonsense, salty personality but most importantly a heart of gold.

In retirement John moved to Phoenix Arizona where he found humor and irony of being in the desert after a lifetime surrounded by water. A private service to return John's ashes back to the ocean is being planned at a future date.

John is survived by his sister Joan Racelis of Glenview IL, niece Elisa (Martin) Boughner of Glenview IL, niece Laura (Alex) Paradiso of Chicago IL, nephew Christopher (Mary) Racelis of Western Springs IL, and nephew Steven Racelis (Gail) Racelis of Holland MI. John is preceded in death by his birth parents, adopted mother, and brother-in-law Ramon Racelis Jr.