Thomas H. Hanley

Born Nov. 14, 1928 in Easton PA., of Thomas Hanley and Helen Donovan Hanley.

He attended Easton Catholic High School, and two years at Temple University. As a child of the depression, he looked to the sky. He joined the Air Force in 1948 and began flight training at Ellington Field, where he met his future wife, Iva Pauline Cramer. Assigned to Hickam AFB Hawaii, he married Polly there in 1951 and they began their family together. Assigned to the 55th Strategic Recon Wing, he flew many interesting and secretive reconnaissance missions as a navigator at the height of the Cold War. During the 50s and 60s, he and Polly welcomed Tommy, Diane, Denise, David and Mark to the growing clan. His career took them to Hawaii, Kansas, California and Texas. Soon after service in Vietnam, he retired from the Air Force after 20 years. Moving back to Pasadena, he began a new career with Boeing at NASA as a safety engineer for the space shuttle program. He and Polly were very involved in civic duties in the area. He was a HOST mentor for PISD, urging young students to improve their reading skills. He was also a longtime member of the Houston Symphony League and 40-year member of St. Francis Cabrini Parish. He attended many 55th Strat Recon reunions, and arranged numerous reunions of his Air Force Cadet Class 50-D. He had a special bond with his former military comrades and their families. He also maintained a special relationship with Team Hanley of the MS 150, in honor of his deceased son, Mark. An avid golfer, he would scour the south for challenging and beautiful courses with friends and his favorite partner Polly.

Early this year, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and began to fight that battle with family and friends at his side. In March, he was rushed to the hospital where doctors gave him a few days to live. Families and friends from across the States rushed to his side and had a terrific "Irish wake" in the ICU. Tales, song and toasts aplenty rang through the night. The next morning, instead of dying, he demanded a cruller and announced he was going to make it to the next family reunion. He made that event in Galveston this June, then fought on to cherished gatherings with family on birthdays, Labor Day and Veterans Day. He died peacefully at home, Nov. 15, the day after his 83rd birthday. He was surrounded by his family, books, crosswords puzzles and much love. Adios, Major. We love you.

Survived by Polly, his loving wife of 61 years; brother Jimmy; sons Tom, David, and the late Mark Hanley; daughters Diane Bergin and Denise Hanley. Grandchildren Donovan Bergin, Lauren Hanley, and Clark and Meghan Hanley. Nieces and nephews by the dozens with a great-grandchild on the way.

The Mass was held at 10:00am, Saturday November 19 at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. Interment followed at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster.