Patrick J Hanlon

Patrick was born in Muckalee, County Kilkenny, Ireland on January 24, 1938, to Patrick Hanlon and Mary Dwyer Hanlon. Raised on a cattle farm with his ten brothers and sisters, Pat emigrated to England at age 15 where he worked on the railroad. At age 18 he went to Canada and finally, at age 20, he emigrated to the United States.

Pat initially resided in Syracuse, New York where he met his wife of 57 years, Rosemary Kelly, at an Irish wedding. In 1963 Pat and Rose married and moved to the Bronx and started their family. Pat was an apprentice carpenter and then became a carpenter in the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local Union 608 in New York City. Together, Pat and Rose started Hanlon Construction Company, a family run business. The family migrated in 1978 from Rockland County, New York to Tampa, Florida and started Hanlon Acoustical Ceilings. Pat and Rose designed and built their house they lived in for 41 years near Oldsmar. They enjoyed the rural setting and the company of their neighbors.

Pat was extremely proud to be both an Irishman and an American. He was a practicing Catholic, attending Espiritu Santo Catholic Church for over 41 years. He enjoyed politics and current events, reading the NY Times, the St. Pete Times, the Kilkenny People, and watching the news every day. He was a sports fanatic; his favorite pastimes included watching GAA sports, such as hurling and Gaelic football, as well as the NFL and college football (and betting on the games!). Pat could often be heard cheering on his favorite teams, the Kilkenny “Cats” and Notre Dame’s “Fighting Irish.”

For years Pat would return to Ireland in early September so he could attend the All Ireland in person and cheer on his beloved Kilkenny. He would spend weeks there visiting his brothers and sisters and Rose’s family in Wicklow and Dublin. Pat always enjoyed playing hurling and soccer, teaching his children and neighbors for many years, with a pitch built out in the backyard. He also played golf, although he found it to be a frustrating game. He loved listening to traditional Irish music and dancing the Irish waltz with his wife and children. He loved hosting parties at the house, hiring Irish musicians to play music for his friends and family. He also loved owning horses and taking care of them and teaching his children to horseback ride them. Pat and Rose would love to go to local Irish pubs and listen to local Irish entertainers and enjoy a beer with friends as well as local dances hosted by the local Irish clubs. Pat was also great about calling friends and family from back home and keeping in touch with them on a regular basis.

Pat was involved in the Irish community as a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Irish American Society of Clearwater. At Tampa Bay Downs, where Pat and Rose frequent, Pat loved watching and betting on the horse and greyhound races and chatting with friends and employees there.

Pat could be a quiet man, but was always quick witted and had a good sense of humor. His happiness was evident, especially when he could be heard singing his favorite Irish songs. He was incredibly good natured, loved to have a good laugh, and was hardworking. Friends and family alike can attest to his kindness, friendliness, and loyalty. He was always willing and driven to help and look out for others. For his children, he taught them to value education and to work hard, as he believed these were the keys to success in America. He also taught them to always treat everyone with respect, regardless of their level in life.

His greatest joys in life were his wife, who he endearingly called “Rosaleen,” his children, and his seven grandchildren, whom he would often take for rides on his John Deere tractor. To his grandchildren, Patrick was adoringly known as “Papa.” He would often request that his grandchildren learn a few of his favorite songs so they could sing them to him, especially at parties, weddings, and events. His favorite songs were “Rose of Mooncoin,” a nod to his home county of Kilkenny and “Oh, Susannah,” which he loved singing to his grandchildren.

Pat had a courageous and valiant fight against Parkinson’s disease for over 14 years with dignity, grace, and a great sense of humor. He was lovingly cared for by Rose, with loving support from her sisters, Teresa, Sheila, and Esther. Pat was also cared for by a group of dedicated and loving nurses who took wonderful care of him. The family will forever be grateful for their kindness and support throughout the years.

Pat will be dearly missed by his wife Rosemary, son Michael Hanlon (wife, Ann Miller Hanlon); daughters, Kathleen Hanlon (husband, Tim Cusick), Sheila Hanlon Ravindran (husband, Rajeev Ravindran) and Elizabeth Hanlon (husband, Phil Boudewyns); and grandchildren, Jack, Erin, Shannon, Lila, Maya, Elizabeth, and Mary Catherine.

He is also survived by his brothers Peter, Michael (Mick), and Dan, and sisters Peg Vennell and Mary Cairns; and many dearly beloved nephews and nieces, in-laws, extended family, longtime friends, and neighbors.

He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters: William (Billy), Elizabeth (Lizzie), Annie, James (Jim), and Bridget.

Visitation/Viewing:

Wednesday evening @ 6:30-8:30pm

Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home

2853 Sunset Point Road

Clearwater, FL 33759

Funeral Mass:

Thursday morning @ 10:30am

Espiritu Santo Catholic Church

2405 Philippe Parkway

Safety Harbor, FL 34695

Burial:

Immediately following mass

Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park

2860 Sunset Point Road

Clearwater, FL 33759

Celebration of Life Luncheon:

Immediately following burial

Flamestone American Grill

4009 Tampa Road

Oldsmar, FL 34677

Donations may be made as a Tribute Gift in Patrick’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation:

Parkinson's Foundation

200 SE 1st Street

Suite 800

Miami, FL 33131

Livestream link:

https://zoom.us/j/97374428378?pwd=VnQyWFdObHJHS05CMUpxVjFhYSszUT09