Paul J. Hanney

Paul Joseph Hanney, 90, U.S. Air Force veteran of Lunenburg, MA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Paul was the beloved husband of Maureen A. (McCole), with whom he shared 66 years of marriage. Together, they built a family rooted in love and devotion.

He is survived by his daughters: Karleen Kiritsy and her husband, Paul, of West Roxbury, MA; and Kerrie Johnson and her husband, Kenneth, of Paxton, MA. Paul is the cherished grandfather, “Pa,” to Ryan Hanney; Andrew Kiritsy and his wife, Lauren; Caroline Watts and her husband, John; Sara Diaz and her husband, Simon; and Paul Johnson and his fiancée, Mia. He is also blessed with two great-grandchildren, John (J.J.) and Rory Watts. He leaves behind his sister, Judy Cairns; his sister-in-law, Nancy Hanney; and his extended family in Scotland, who remained close to him throughout his life. Paul was predeceased by his infant grandson Joseph Johnson in 1998 and his brother Raymond Hanney, Jr. in 2022.

Born in Fitchburg in May of 1935, Paul was the son of the late Esther M. (Shea) and Raymond J. Hanney. A proud graduate of Saint Bernard’s High School, he carried with him a lifelong gratitude for the Sisters of the Presentation (BVM), whose guidance shaped both his faith and his character. During his military service abroad, fate led him to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he met and wed Maureen before returning to the States to build their life together. Paul devoted 42 years to the U.S. Postal Service in Fitchburg, retiring in 1999 with a legacy of dedication and steadfast service.

A lifelong lover of swimming, Paul learned to swim in the waters of Spec Pond in Lancaster, where his Grandpa Shea built their camp house that became a summer haven for his children and grandchildren. An avid reader, Paul was always immersed in a good read whether it be the New York Times or the Irish Times or taking notes from a food magazine. He had a love for cooking that led him to explore and savor dishes from all corners of the world, a passion he instilled in his children and grandchildren. Paul’s wit, intelligence, and humility left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed, remembered with love and laughter.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the compassionate and respectful physicians and nurses in the Emergency Department at UMass Memorial–Leominster and at the UMass University Campus-Worcester; to the UMass LifeFlight crew; and to the Lunenburg Fire Department, EMS, and Police. The family will be forever grateful.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, MA. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 2-4 P.M. A Celebration of Life Mass will take place on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 11 A.M. at Saint Anthony of Padua Church, 84 Salem St, Fitchburg, MA. Following the Mass, Paul will be honored with a full military honors ceremony and interment at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Paul J. Hanney Scholarship Fund at Saint Bernard’s High School, 45 Harvard Street, Fitchburg MA, 01420.