William M. Hanley

William M. Hanley, 64, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Rose Monahan Hospice with his wife and children by his side.

William was born in Fitchburg, a son of the late William J. Hanley and Margurite (Bruneau) Hanley.

William attended Fitchburg Schools, graduating with the Class of 1980 from Montachusett Regional Vocational School in the Welding Trade. As much as William enjoyed welding, he furthered his education at East Coast Aero Tech, where he began a career in Aviation spanning more than 40 years. His love for airplanes continued, and William purchased a Commonwealth Sky Ranger, restoring it from the ground up. Taking its first flight in 1985, William spent his career working on airplanes, a calling that combined precision and responsibility, and a deep sense of duty. He took pride in his work, knowing that every rivet and repair played a part in helping others fly safely.

A gentle soul, William lived his life with quiet strength and deep faith. His family was most important in his life. He loved holding babies anytime, anywhere. He was called "The Baby Whisperer" by many. A title he loved.

William leaves his wife of almost 35 years, Gina Giacomozzi-Hanley; two daughters Jennifer Eyles, Valerie Hanley and her partner, Michael Graham; one son, William H. Hanley; two grandchildren, Emma and Elijah Breen; his mother, Margurite Hanley; two brothers, Francis and John Hanley; three sisters, Judith Danko and her husband James, Paula Hanley, and Crista Kidd and her husband John; a sister-in-law, Lorna Brooks and her husband David Brooks; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister-in-law, Cara Giacomozzi.

William's family would like to thank the Rose Monahan Hospice for their exceptional care of not only William, but also of the family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 11 am St. Anthony of Padua Church, 84 Salem St., Fitchburg. Burial will follow in St. Bernard's Cemetery, Fitchburg.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in William's name to the Rose Monahan Hospice, 10 Judith Road, Worcester, MA 01602.

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg is directing arrangements.