Obituary of Robert F. Hanlon, Sr.

Robert F. Hanlon PEABODY Robert F. Hanlon, 76, beloved husband of Claire (Mitchell) Hanlon of Peabody, died unexpectedly, yet peacefully, at the Beverly Hospital on Saturday afternoon following a long illness. Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Frederick and Mary (McAvoy) Hanlon. He lived in Arlington in his youth where he first attended schools. He was a Double Eagle , graduating from Boston College High School in Boston, Class of 1947, then from Boston College, Class of 1951. He enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was discharged a Captain. Following the war, he was employed in the Purchasing Department, and eventually became Vice-President of Purchasing with Seiler Food Service of Waltham which was soon part of Marriott, and then Sedesco. In the 1980’ s he was with Sage Hotels of Boston, including Howard Johnsons, where he was Director of Purchasing until his retirement 11 years ago. Mr. Hanlon came to Peabody in the 1960’ s, and was among the original founders of Peabody Youth Hockey. He served helping with the Clinic and as a coach, when ice time was in Lynn and Melrose before rink construction developed in the mid-1970’ s. He also was an influence in developing the Hockey Program at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, and served as an Assistant Coach to his son, Robert Hanlon, Jr., for the Junior Varsity squad, and enjoyed watching his son, John, play there. He was a member of the Father’ s Guild at Bishop Fenwick, was a devout Catholic and active communicant at St. Adelaide’ s Church, Peabody, where he was a member of the Holy Name Society and served as an Usher. His most important value was his family, and he loved his role as husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by: his wife, Claire (Mitchell) Hanlon of Peabody, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage; two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert & Judy Hanlon, Jr. of Beverly and John & Collette Hanlon of Rowley; three daughters, Denise & John Mroz of Beverly, Joan & Mark Bedard of Peabody, and Patrice & Mark Hobbs of Medford; 12 grandchildren; a brother, Donald Hanlon of FL, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Matthew Hobbs, and sisters Jean Boudreau, Barbara MacDonald, and Priscilla Johnson. His funeral will be held on Wednesday at 9 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 12 Chestnut St. location, Peabody, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in St. Adelaide’ s Church, Lowell St., Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4 to 8 P.M. Burial will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’ s Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472