Mark Alan Hanley

Mark A. Hanley, a beloved member of the Youngstown community, passed away on November 19, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio. He was surrounded by those who loved him deeply, including his son, Zachary Hanley; his brother, Robert "Bob" (Patricia) Hanley, Barbara and Lars Brondum, Michael Fabian, sister-in-law, Marsha Burnett; and lifelong friend, Debra Weaver.

Mark was born in Akron, OH on March 9, 1957, to Dorothy and Robert Hanley. He was a graduate of Canfield High School and went on to build a long and dedicated career with Ohio Edison, from which he later retired.

A passionate and devoted musician and artist, Mark's creative life was expansive and deeply influential. He performed with many well-known regional bands over the decades, including Edge City, Sister Ray, November Loop, Geo C and The Storm, The Bliss Machine, Non-Stop Now, Room 101, The Butchers, Spoonbender, and Moon Station Burning. He also performed on Landon Finnerty's album "Kissing in Public." His work with Sister Ray, who released several singles and four albums that received favorable reviews in Rolling Stone, Spin, and Forced Exposure, took him on an international tour in 1989, just before the fall of the Berlin Wall. The band performed throughout Germany, Switzerland, Spain, the Basque region, France, Belgium, and Holland, later returning to tour in the United States.

Mark also composed and performed music with Dr. Lars Brondum for nearly forty years, both in Youngstown and in Stockholm, Sweden. His musical journey took him to Tunisia on several occasions, where he worked and composed with Sonia Nouioui. At the time of his passing Mark was working on composing the soundtrack for a film titled "Aconitum." Mark's guitar of choice was always his cherished Gibson Les Paul, an instrument that became an extension of his voice and spirit.

Mark was also a gifted visual artist who participated in the Butler Institute of American Art Area Exhibition, created intricate stained-glass designs, and more recently found joy in rock collecting and stone tumbling, embracing each new creative path with curiosity and passion.

Besides his parents, Mark was preceded in death by his wife, Holly Burnett-Hanley; son, Mitchell Hanley; and sister, Nadine Hiedaker.

He is survived by his children, Mallory Hanley, Zachary Hanley; brother Robert "Bob" (Patricia) Hanley; niece, Erin Hanley (Greg) Meyer; nephew, Adam (Stephanie) Hanley; grandnephew and nieces Jack, Amelia, Allison, his dearest friends, Debra Weaver, Michael Fabian, Barbara and Lars Brondum; and so many more who loved him and will continue to carry his spirit forward.

Mark's passing leaves a profound emptiness in the hearts of all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of light, creativity, and inspiration that will continue to echo in the hearts of those who carry his memory.

A celebration of his life and art will be held on March 14, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Cedar's West End, 706 Steel Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44509. Those who attend will be invited to share music, stories and memories that reflect the beauty he brought to the world.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Treez Please (a 501(c)3) at 1330 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44505.

"From earth to sky, from breath to silence, his light rises beyond horizons. May his journey continue in peace, where stars keep quiet vigil."

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S Silvat Inc. Share memories and send condolences by visiting cremateohio.com.