Obituary of Paul O'Neill Hanlon

It is with profound sadness that the family of Paul O’Neill Hanlon announce his passing on February 20^th, 2025 at Rocmaura Nursing home, Saint John NB after numerous illnesses. Born on February 1^st, 1939, in Saint John NB, he was the son of the late Edward and Eleanor (O’Neill) Hanlon.

Dad always had an incredible sense of family. As the eighth of thirteen children, Dad always regaled us of stories of Sunday lunches around Nanny’s table and the adventures of the Hanlon children on Elm Street. When he met his beloved wife Eleanor, they both carried on the tradition of family meals and that sense of community.

Paul is survived by his loving wife Eleanor (Wood) Hanlon; his children Michael (Charleen) of Stony Plain AB, Jane, Carolyn and Nancy of Saint John; grandchildren Jessica and Alex of Edmonton; his siblings Cyril, Doreen Marcon, Anne McNamara (Mike) and Patrick (Sharron); brother-in -aw Donald Wood (Heather); sisters-in-law Dot Hanlon (Louis), Mary Hanlon (James) and as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by his siblings: Connie Winchester (Vince), Mary Conway (Dick), Helen Vickers (Gerald), Gerard (Theresa), Louis, Maurice (Pat), Francis “Butch”, and James “Yankee” Hanlon; sister-in-law Patricia (Cyril); parents-in-laws Hayward and Agnes (Truswell) Wood; brothers in-law George Wood (Janet), Joe Marcon; Everett Truswell (Carol); and his daughter-in-law Charleen Hanlon

Reflecting upon Dad, the one word that always comes to mind is commitment – to family, faith and community. We could always count on Dad to be there for anything we needed, from the big moments to always being a step ahead in getting our favourite groceries when they were in sale.  Dad’s dedication to Holy Redeemer Parish and the Knights of Columbus were remarkable. He was always available to fill any need from selling hotdogs on bingo nights, doing dishes with the Martha’s Guild to serving on boards, he was always ready to serve.

Dad was known to always have a song on his lips … it didn’t seem to matter where he was but his beautiful voice was always reverberating!

Dad worked for Air Canada for 27 years in various roles and instilled in all of us the joy of travel. Many adventures were had over the years in our trips to Florida and Bermuda. Mom and Dad didn’t slow down their travels after becoming empty nesters and annually travelled to visit us in our various locales.

Our family would like to express our thanks to the staff of Rocmaura for their exceptional attention to Dad and to Dr. Jane Ashfield for her long time care and friendship of Dad. Prior to moving to Rocmaura, Dad enjoyed his time with his fellow residents and the incredible staff at the Chateau Champlain.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424). With visitation on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 2:00 – 4:00 & 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from Holy Redeemer Parish (St. Pius X) on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Those unable to attend are welcome to view the service via livesteam by clicking the link on Paul's obituary on the Brenan's website. Donations in memory of Paul may be made to Romero House or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com