Russ Hanley

1931 - 2025

Is it possible to describe a life of 93 years that was well-lived in just a few sentences? I will let you, the reader, decide:

Russ aka Dad and Papa, passed away peacefully on October 30 and was reunited in heaven with the love of his life, Angie, at the remarkable age of 93. He was born on December 16, 1931 in San Francisco to Alice and Charles Hanley. The second oldest of 6 children, he grew up in San Francisco, during the days of street cars and the Key trains on the Bay Bridge. He used to tell us stories of going to the World's Fair on Treasure Island and seeing the Golden Gate Bridge open. Russ spent many of his summers in Yosemite, hiking, swimming in the Merced River and helping his grandparents, John and Bridget Degnan, who had a bakery and store in the Old Village.

After graduating from St. Ignatius High School, it was time to start his college education at San Francisco State, but before completing his studies, he decided to join the Navy in 1951 where he was an aircraft engine mechanic at Hickham Air Force base in Hawaii. Upon his honorable discharge after 4 years of service and returning to college, a blind date was arranged by his brother-in-law John which would connect him with his soul mate Angie. They were married on June 15, 1957 and began their life living in San Bruno raising their two daughters, with Russ teaching in the San Bruno Park School District at Belair, Engvall and Parkside schools. This happiest of unions lasted for 30 years until the untimely death of Angie in 1988. Russ continued teaching until his retirement in 1992 after 34 years, inspiring and instructing so many children along the way. Even after leaving his full-time job in 1992, Russ taught science at Allen School to the first grade class. Education was always a passion of Russ' and so he became a member of the San Bruno Park School Board in 1993 and for 16 years, he advocated both for students and teachers.

Russ had many interests, trains, family history, playing the piano, trying his luck at 3 hand video poker and the gold rush, but the thing that brought him his greatest joy was family. Nothing made him happier than going on family trips and then spending the time before dinner, otherwise know as cocktail hour, discussing the days events, as well as, any other topics of interest. He also reveled in the holidays when we were all gathered around the table, raising a toast to mom and sharing laughter and love.

Russ is now in heaven with his darling wife Angie and his grandson Christopher. He is survived by his daughters, Susan (Dave), Diane (Doug), his grandchildren Gina (Paul), Tony (Katie), Julie (Eddie) and Cathy (Rory), his great-grandchildren Rebecca, Jacquelyn, Benjamin, Maddy, Paige and Isla, and his brother Tony (Linda), as well as many nieces and nephews. Private services have been held. If you would like to honor Russ, please consider making a donation to the American Brain Tumor Association or the Northern California MS Society. I hope this short description of a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather will have accomplished my original goal of painting a picture of a 93-year-old life well-lived.