William J. Hanley

In the early morning of May 28, 2023, William J Hanley of Ridge, NY passed away peacefully with family by his side. He was 92.

Born October 31, 1930 in Brooklyn, NY, Bill was the oldest son of Irish immigrant parents Catherine and William Hanley. He was a bright light during the dark times of the Great Depression. Bill lived in Greenpoint for the majority of the first 38 years of his life. He graduated from Saint Francis Preparatory School in 1948. Bill was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and served with honor from 1951-1953. During his time overseas he was able to travel, spend time with family in Ireland and even kiss the Blarney Stone before returning home to the states.

Bill was a loving son and had a very special bond with his mother, a relationship that he treasured. As the oldest child he also played a big role in his sibling’s lives, especially his sister Catherine who he adored.

In 1967 Bill met the love of his life Anne Finnegan. They married in 1968. They moved to Long Island in 1969, settling in Kings Park where they raised a family and spent the next 39 years. They had 3 children together and just celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary.

In 2008 Bill and Anne moved to Ridge, NY where they retired nearby to friends and family. In retirement Bill enjoyed quiet times, reading and family get-togethers. Bill enjoyed animals and although he didn’t have any of his own, recently, he always asked about his children’s dogs as if they were a part of the family. Bill also enjoyed watching birds and the tranquility that it brought him.

Bill was a devout Catholic throughout his entire life. As a child he was an altar boy and attended St Anthony’s parish. In Kings Park he raised his family attending St Joseph’s parish. He believed in family and family first. His commitment to faith and family is the foundation of the life that he built with Anne raising their 3 children.

His most cherished role was Grandfather to his 9 grandchildren. Bill had a unique way of making each grandchild feel special. He was always there to offer an ice cream cone or special treat. His unique talent was to express his love and admiration through written word. Particularly, in his most recent years, he would not let a special occasion go by without offering a poem he had written to express his thoughts and love to his family. These expressions of love will live on through his grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife Anne, his son Billy Hanley and wife Kim, his daughter Doreen Kohler and husband Kris, his daughter Ellen Houston and husband Kenny, his sister Catherine Nokelty and husband Tom, and his 9 grandchildren William, Thomas, Nicholas, Donald, Dylan, Alek, Catherine, Kenneth and Emily. Bill is preceded in death by his parents Catherine and William and his brothers Malo and Joe.