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Thomas Joseph Hanley

April 8, 1935 ~ April 16, 2025

Born in: Galway, Ireland
Resided in: Greenwood, Indiana

Celebrating the Life of Thomas Joseph Hanley

It is with profound respect and deep affection that we remember Thomas J. Hanley, who passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, in Greenwood, Indiana. Born on April 8, 1935, in Galway, Ireland, Thomas immigrated to the United States alone at the tender age of 19, demonstrating the bravery and tenacity that would come to define much of his life.  Thomas will be remembered for his infectious smile and the twinkle in his eye.

A man of faith, Thomas was a member of Our Lady of Greenwood Catholic Church. His work ethic was unparalleled, which shone through during his tenure as the owner of Shannon Wholesale, from which he retired in 2018. His love for sports, especially golf, and Irish music filled his leisure time and brought him much joy. Thomas was also proud of his service in the U.S. Army, which reflected his deep-seated love for his adopted country.

Thomas was the cherished husband  to the late Kathleen Marie Carr Hanley, and a loving father to his children: Tom (Mary Beth), Mark (Laura), Mary, Eileen, and Patty Hanley. He was a doting grandfather to nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he is remembered as competitive, mischievous, and a true family man, never forgetting his roots and the loved ones back in Ireland.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Ellen McGrath Hanley, his beloved of 50 years wife Kathleen, their son John, and his brothers Packie, Jackie, Eddie, Mattie, Mickey, and Joe Hanley.

Thomas leaves behind a legacy of love and tenacity, deeply rooted in both Ireland and the United States. He is survived by his loving sisters, Mary (Tom) Slevin and Nellie (Michael) Cahill; and sisters and brother – in-law, Marion and Annette Hanley, Don and Barb Carr, Joyce Wamsley, Shirlee Carr and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Thomas will be Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 4:30 PM  – 7:30 PM, at O’Riley -Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46227.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the chapel at Calvary Cemetery,435 West Troy Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46225.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Thomas’ name may be made to: St. Vincent dePaul Society, https://www.svdpindy.org/give/ or to Indy Humane Society, https://indyhumane.org/about/ways-to-give/gifts-in-memory-or-in-honor-of/

Please visit www.ORileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.

Thomas J. Hanley led a life of passion, dedication, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Our memories of him will forever inspire and guide us.

Services

Visitation: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

O'Riley - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory
6107 S. East St
Indianapolis, Indiana 46227


Mass: Thursday, April 24, 2025
10:00 am

Calvary Cemetery
435 W Troy Ave
Indianapolis, Indiana 46225


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  1. Sending my deepest sympathies to all the Hanley family on the loss of a true gent that was filled with great humour.
    Loved having the chats with Tommy when he was home in Carnmore and have some fond memories of his last visit with my Dad Mickey

    • Thanks Shirley! He loved going home but due to mom’s health and his didn’t get back nearly as much as he wanted to these last 20 years or so. He was a character for sure.

  2. With deepest sympathy to the Hanley family on the passing of Uncle Tommy. Every time Tommy visited Galway, all the cousins would meet up and he was the centre of all the craic – some great memories and stories.
    He will be forever remembered as the fun uncle with the mischievous smile. Thinking of you at this sad time. Fiona x

    • Thanks Fiona! And you know he loved being right there in the center. I’m sure there were lots of laughs and tea!! His best trips were always the ones home. He kept that smile until the very end.

  3. So sorry to hear another Hanley legend has departed. Condolences to all his family and friends across the globe. We will miss you uncle Tommy 🙏

    • Thanks Frank!! Another legend for sure. We never told him of John or Joe’s passing and said those would just be too bonuses waiting on him!! We’re so happy he’s healthy and at peace forever!

  4. All the Hanley brothers together again, some game of hurling going on in heaven right now, Iggy Hanley (nephew) Carnmore Galway

    • Now that is for sure Iggy. Thanks for that picture! We’re getting some storms tonight but I’ll be thinking of the noise as the Hanley gang together again. It would be hard to pick who would be the most competitive.

  5. We’re so deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our beloved uncle Tommy. Your lovely dad had a way of making every visit feel incredibly special. His fun-loving spirit, kind heart and warm smile left lasting memories that we’ll forever cherish. He will be deeply missed, always remembered and forever loved.

    Sorry that we can’t be there in person but we are thinking of you all at this difficult time. May Tommy rest in peace as he continues his journey with your lovely mum Kay, John and all his brothers ♡

    “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” ♡

    Lots of love, Michelle
    (Mickey Hanleys daughter)

    • Thank you, Michelle! Dad is up there able to do all of his mischief that he loved & we know he’ll be golfing like a maniac!

  6. So sorry to hear of Tommy’s passing both Joe and myself had many a good holidays with both himself and Kay condolences to all the family may they all rest in peace.

  7. So sorry on the passing of Tommy. I have such fond memories of him coming to Ireland and bring a gang of us to the shop and letting us all pick out two sweets. We were all in our element We truly loved him. ❤️

    • Thank you,, Majella! Dad loved to sugar up the nieces & nephews on his shift & then send them back to their parents! Not sure what the aunts & uncles thought of that – lol

  8. So sorry to hear of Uncle Tommys passing and thinking of you all.
    I have such great memories of his visits to Galway and of my trip to Indianapolis in 2000.
    We had such a lovely time in Chicago and Florida.
    He was an absolute dote and will be so fondly remembered.

    • Thanks, Orla! It was so nice when you came for a visit! Dad especially loved to host when you guys came over!

  9. I’m so sorry to hear of uncle Tommy’s passing.
    I’ve such great memories of my trips to the US where himself & Kay were the most gracious & generous hosts.
    His trips to Ireland were full of fun and great storytelling late into the night. An entertaining night in the Galway Bay hotel will be in my memory for a long time to come.
    He will be fondly remembered for his mischievous smile, contagious laugh and sparkling eyes.
    I hope the fun continues as he is reunited with his beloved Kay, John, his Mum & Dad & Hanley brothers in Heaven.
    Best wishes to you all 💕
    Louise Slevin
    (Mary’s daughter)

    • Thanks, Louise! The infamous night that he went out with the nieces & nephews will always be remembered! He is up there, starting his mischief again & ready to toast all of us that are still here!

  10. I just wanted to offer my condolences to all the Hanley family on the passing of Tommy. I have many fond memories of Tommy and his great smile and personality. As a child I remember him visiting us and the great trips to the sweet shop when we could buy whatever we wanted – he knew how to make a big impression on us as kids.
    His trips home when we were older involved some great get togethers for us all in the Galway Bay Hotel and a time for us to get to know our Uncle from the States as adults with lots of fun had by us all.
    He will be missed here and in the States. Sorry not to be there in person for the funeral but will be remembering him with lots of reminising stories told. RIP Uncle Tommy.

    • Thanks Regina! He loved coming home to see everyone and the big fuss over him…lol. it’s nice to have such great memories. Thanks for the kind words and condolences. No worries about not coming over we totally understand. Next time everyone is together have a toast is his memory!

  11. Mark Hanley: I am so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. May you find peace and comfort within each other to cherish the memories that will live on forever. Thinking of you, my friend.

  12. My sincere condolences to Mr Hanley’s family. Prayers and hugs, I wish I could have been there for Eileen.

    Love always,
    Linda your Bingo friend

  13. Sending lots of love and hugs to Eileen and the whole Hanley family! The Hanleys were so good to me when I was a kid at OLG. Took me to the lake and on vacation. I felt like an extra family member! Such great memories! I’m glad I got to thank him personally years ago. I will never forget him telling stories and having that mischievous look like he got away with something. RIP Thomas Hanley.

  14. Regina you were and still are like family. Mom and dad loved having you around. They probably thought you were keeping me out of trouble…don’t worry I won’t tell. Thanks for the kind words.

  15. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hanley Family. God bless you all and may He comfort you during this difficult time. The State Safety & Compliance team is sending their love to you all.


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