Thomas James O'Hanlon

Thomas James O’Hanlon, 78, passed away on March 13, 2022 in Greensboro, NC. He was born in Bronx, NY, and was the eldest son to Irish immigrant parents, Denis O’Hanlon and Sheila O'Sullivan. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Bonnie, of 52 years. Surviving are his brother (Denis), sister (Margaret), sister-in-law (Julie), daughter (Maureen), and granddaughter (Hayley).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00a.m., Monday, March 21, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2715 Horse Pen Creek Road.

During Tom’s grammar school years, he served as an altar boy and sang in the Welch Chorale. After graduating from St. Philip Neri in 1957, he graduated from Fordham Prep in 1961 and attended Pace College and Bronx Community College. He began volunteering during his high school years.

In 1962, Tom started a career at P. Lorillard Tobacco Co. He joined the Hudson County NJ Chorale Society, where he met Bonnie Carroll, whom he married in 1969. In 1971, Tom was transferred to Greensboro, NC, where he and Bonnie began their philanthropic activities together. In 1976, their daughter, Maureen, arrived. She attended UNC-G and obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work, going on to achieve clinical licensure. Maureen has a daughter, Hayley, who graduated from Western Carolina University in 2021 with a BS in Interior Design.

After moving to Greensboro, he joined the 8 O’clock Club and became Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 111 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Tom joined Knights of Columbus Council 939, in which he served officer roles, culminating as Grand Knight in 1983. Tom also raised funds to build the Knights of Columbus clubhouse, which he managed for many years and where he and Bonnie cooked for countless events.

As a result of his service in the Knights of Columbus and for living up to the Ignatian (Jesuit) Spirit, Tom became the first Knight to be honored as both NC Knight of the Year (1981) and NC Golden Knight of the Year (1990). He also received the K of C Council 939 Knight of the Year award in 1981.

During that period, Tom was a charter member of the local Ancient Order of Hibernians and belonged to BPO Elks 602. He was a member of Yokefellows Prison Ministries, meeting with prisoners at a minimum-security facility in McLeansville and helping them get jobs when released. Tom managed and chaired the Greensboro Youth Council’s annual teenage talent show, Operation Lamb (Least Among My Brothers) collections to support local special needs schools, yard sales for the unborn, participating in Life Chains, and attending the March for Life in Washington.

In the 90s, his accomplishments included helping build a French drain for the soccer field at his daughter’s high school, teaching an adult how to read and successfully apply for a job, and devoting his Wednesdays as eucharistic adorer at Maryfield Chapel in High Point for many years. From 1995 to 2010, Tom worked part-time as an Assistant Funeral Director at Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home.

Tom remained a devout Catholic, loving husband, father and grandfather, and generous person until he died. He had a firm belief that anyone who can help others should do so as much as possible. He said people should “step out and do things without having to be recognized for what you accomplish”.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the O’Hanlon family with arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.