1935
Joseph
2025
Joseph Lydon Hanley
May 22, 1935 — August 21, 2025
East Providence
Joseph Lydon Hanley of Rumford RI, died peacefully on Thursday, August 21 at the age of 90 with his family by his side.
Joe grew up in Mattapan Massachusetts, the oldest of seven children, born to Lucy Hanley (nee Lydon) of Wigan, England and John Hanley of Oughterard, Ireland.
He attended St. Angela’s Grammar School, Cathedral High School, and received a Bachelor of Business degree from Northeastern University.
Always socially active, Joe championed many causes from the Pan Mass Challenge event in support of cancer research to protesting rights for farm workers exposed to pesticides. Joe served his country in the Army from 1954-1957. He retired from Federal Products as a Quality Control Engineer in 1999 after 24 years of employment.
He was something of an expert on the Civil War and one of his favorite pastimes was cycling. Joe’s weekends would be filled with long bike rides exploring back roads and enjoying the scenery. He also loved the Sunday crossword puzzle and tending to his beautiful gardens. Joe was never idle, constantly learning. Right up to his death, he was learning to play the banjo, a lifelong passion.
Always a true gentleman, Joe was friendly to strangers on the street offering a cheerful greeting that was sure to brighten anybody’s day. He was a total optimist, always preferring to see the bright side of life. He believed in the value of hard work and forward thinking, infamous for the summer projects he would bestow upon his kids such as raking the woods or creating a rock wall for his vegetable garden. Mostly, Joe was a special person who made friends wherever he went - from the waitress at a restaurant, to knowing all his neighbors on his traffic -filled street. He was quick- witted, kind and fiercely loyal to those who were lucky enough to be considered his family or friend. His most cherished time was spent with family.
Married for 47 years to Frannie Hanley (nee O’Leary). He loved Frannie beyond life itself. Their marriage was filled with love, joy and happiness. Together they had ten children. Patty (Arthur) Clark, Sean Hanley, Kathy (Barry) Low, Joe (Lisa) Hanley, Maryellen Hanley, Michael (Christine) Hanley, Beth (Blake) Udelson, Kevin Hanley, Kristen (Greg Monette) Hanley, Sheilagh (Justin Bourbeau) Hanley. The grandfather of Karina (Robbie) Villa-Duran, Viviana Hanley, Michael Hanley, Caitlin Hanley, Alyson Low, Abbigayl Low, Aidan Hanley, Maggie Hanley, Grace Hanley, Derek Burns, Jennifer (Carlos) Delgado, Thomas Burns, John Burns, Jessica Hanley, Matthew Hanley, David Udelson, Hayden Udelson, Zachary Udelson, Max Udelson, Clara Udelson, Selma Hanley, Niilo Hanley, Sam Monette, Malachy Monette and Sadie Bourbeau. The brother of John (Jane) Hanley, Maureen (Joe) Sweeney, Sheilagh (Paul) Duffy, Kathleen (Jose) Perez, Paul Michael Hanley, and Ellen (Gene) Spector and an Irish army of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 4-7 PM at the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home. 161 Commonwealth Avenue, North Attleboro, MA.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Marks Church, 105 Stanley Street, North Attleboro, MA.
Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Towne St. North Attleboro, MA.
In lieu of flowers please considering sending a donation to: Institute for the Study of Nonviolence, 265 Oxford St., Providence, RI 02906
www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com
508-695-0200
Joe grew up in Mattapan Massachusetts, the oldest of seven children, born to Lucy Hanley (nee Lydon) of Wigan, England and John Hanley of Oughterard, Ireland.
He attended St. Angela’s Grammar School, Cathedral High School, and received a Bachelor of Business degree from Northeastern University.
Always socially active, Joe championed many causes from the Pan Mass Challenge event in support of cancer research to protesting rights for farm workers exposed to pesticides. Joe served his country in the Army from 1954-1957. He retired from Federal Products as a Quality Control Engineer in 1999 after 24 years of employment.
He was something of an expert on the Civil War and one of his favorite pastimes was cycling. Joe’s weekends would be filled with long bike rides exploring back roads and enjoying the scenery. He also loved the Sunday crossword puzzle and tending to his beautiful gardens. Joe was never idle, constantly learning. Right up to his death, he was learning to play the banjo, a lifelong passion.
Always a true gentleman, Joe was friendly to strangers on the street offering a cheerful greeting that was sure to brighten anybody’s day. He was a total optimist, always preferring to see the bright side of life. He believed in the value of hard work and forward thinking, infamous for the summer projects he would bestow upon his kids such as raking the woods or creating a rock wall for his vegetable garden. Mostly, Joe was a special person who made friends wherever he went - from the waitress at a restaurant, to knowing all his neighbors on his traffic -filled street. He was quick- witted, kind and fiercely loyal to those who were lucky enough to be considered his family or friend. His most cherished time was spent with family.
Married for 47 years to Frannie Hanley (nee O’Leary). He loved Frannie beyond life itself. Their marriage was filled with love, joy and happiness. Together they had ten children. Patty (Arthur) Clark, Sean Hanley, Kathy (Barry) Low, Joe (Lisa) Hanley, Maryellen Hanley, Michael (Christine) Hanley, Beth (Blake) Udelson, Kevin Hanley, Kristen (Greg Monette) Hanley, Sheilagh (Justin Bourbeau) Hanley. The grandfather of Karina (Robbie) Villa-Duran, Viviana Hanley, Michael Hanley, Caitlin Hanley, Alyson Low, Abbigayl Low, Aidan Hanley, Maggie Hanley, Grace Hanley, Derek Burns, Jennifer (Carlos) Delgado, Thomas Burns, John Burns, Jessica Hanley, Matthew Hanley, David Udelson, Hayden Udelson, Zachary Udelson, Max Udelson, Clara Udelson, Selma Hanley, Niilo Hanley, Sam Monette, Malachy Monette and Sadie Bourbeau. The brother of John (Jane) Hanley, Maureen (Joe) Sweeney, Sheilagh (Paul) Duffy, Kathleen (Jose) Perez, Paul Michael Hanley, and Ellen (Gene) Spector and an Irish army of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 4-7 PM at the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home. 161 Commonwealth Avenue, North Attleboro, MA.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Marks Church, 105 Stanley Street, North Attleboro, MA.
Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Towne St. North Attleboro, MA.
In lieu of flowers please considering sending a donation to: Institute for the Study of Nonviolence, 265 Oxford St., Providence, RI 02906
www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com
508-695-0200
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