Obituary of John M. Hanlon

John M. Hanlon, 54 ROWLEY / PEABODY – Shares of Nestle’s Chocolate Chips, Deutschmacher hotdogs and Brigham’s ice-cream fell sharply on March 19th following the news of John M. Hanlon (54) of Rowley, Massachusetts’s peaceful passing due to complications related to FTD (Frontotemporal Dementia). The youngest of 5 children born to the late Robert F. Hanlon and Claire A. Hanlon of Peabody, John will fondly be remembered by family friends and relatives as being the spitting image of his father and “this week” he is Clay’s favorite. Survived by his sisters; Denise Mroz and husband John of Beverly, Joan Bedard and husband Mark of Peabody, Patrice Hobbs and husband Mark of Medford and his brother Robert Hanlon and wife Judy of Beverly, John leaves behind his wife, daughters, several nieces and nephews and his god sons, Christopher Mroz, Sean Hanlon and Zachary Latham. A proud father and loving husband, John passed along to his children his competitive athleticism and mischievous laughter. Cassandra Hanlon of Vienna, Virginia, the oldest of 3 daughters and the only daughter to play a “real” sport solidified her father’s everlasting love by scoring a hat trick and being ejected from the same varsity hockey game for protecting her goalie. Kathryn Hanlon, his middle daughter, took over household repairs when John took ill and earned his admiration by being able to fix most anything with bailing twine and a roll of duct tape. John was Katie’s loudest and most obnoxious sideline fan. Erin Hanlon, his youngest and miracle child could do no wrong in her father’s eyes. Gregarious and a daredevil as he was, they also share the same sarcastic wit. Erin is the mirror image of her father. Survived by his wife of 25 years, Collette (Cragg) Hanlon, their enduring love for one another kindled at the young age of 14. Together they enjoyed cheering for their daughters, laughing with Ohana, being outdoors and taking care of their garden. John, Johnny, JM, John Mitchell, Uncle John, Johnny Handsome, Mr. Mischief and daddy leaves behind a legacy of hockey stories, one-liners, nicknames, homemade chocolate chip cookies, and his trademark Irish Scaly Cap. Simple enjoyments combined with his love of family best describes the life John lived. Undoubtedly, John will have to plead his case to St. Peter but we are confident that his mother, Clay, will pull him through the Pearly Gates by the ears and a wafting swing of her purse across the back of his head. Most everyone that knew him has a favorite “Johnny” story. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for a visitation on Friday from 4 – 8 P.M. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. His Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday March 24, 2018 at 10:30 AM in St. Adelaide’s Church, Lowell St., Peabody followed by cremation. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Mass General Hospital, with “FTD Unit” https://giving.massgeneral.org/support-neurology/ftd-unit/ or Mary Mac Missions http://marymacmissions.com . Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for online obituary & sign condolences.