Bernard Hanlon Jr.

Bernie woke up on the wrong side of the grass on October 5, 2025, after spending the past few years cruising in the breakdown lane. Despite his best efforts to keep his name out of the Irish sports pages, this time he didn't make the cut. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and maybe a few unread cooking magazines.

He was predeceased by his wife Joan, and will be remembered by his children Kathleen, Theresa (Valentina), Maura (Art), Elizabeth and Barney (Michael) as well as his grandchildren Kristen, Caitlin, Paddo, Seamus, Macklin and great grandchild Desmond. Also predeceased by his parents Bernard P. Sr. & Angela Hanlon, and his sister Rosemary Rathburn. Survived by his sister Angela DuDevoire and brother Neal (Holly) Hanlon as well as several nieces & nephews.

After serving in the Navy, he picked up Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends & Influence People and decided to turn life into his own personal charm offensive. His ability to turn strangers into friends (and friends into family) was unmatched, thanks to his arsenal of jokes, tall tales, and a knack for making any room feel like a five-star party. He never travelled anywhere without running into someone he knew - which became known as "the Bernie Hanlon Game". He also loved to sing, often harmonizing perfectly - whether around the kitchen table, at a gathering, or anywhere a tune broke out.

Known far and wide as a bon vivant, he had an insatiable appetite for good food, good company, and good drinks-though not always in that order. His storytelling skills could hold even the surliest of crowds captive, and his one-liners ensured no silence lasted longer than a sip from your glass.

Though his physical presence will be missed, his spirit lives on in every bad pun, tall tale, and wildly embellished stories his friends and family will retell in his honor. In lieu of flowers, please raise a glass, tell a joke, and remember him the way he'd want laughing so hard your sides hurt.

So fill to me the parting glass

And drink a health whate'er befalls

Then gently rise and softly call

Good night and joy be to you all

Visiting hours will be Thursday, October 9, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Chapman Funeral Home, 58 Long Pond Drive, South Yarmouth. A Mass to celebrate his life will be held at 11 am Friday, October 10 at Sacred Heart Chapel of the St. Francis Xavier Parish, 32 Summer Street, Yarmouth Port, MA followed by a burial service at Island Pond Cemetery, 15 Island Pond Road, Harwich Center.