Hanley, Joseph Patrick
May 10, 2008
Joseph Patrick Hanley 11 passed away peacefully at his home in Tarzana, California on May 4, 2007. He was 81 years old. Born and raised in Limerick, Ireland, he emigrated initially to Toronto, Canada in the 1950's and eventually settled in the San Fernando Valley area of Southern Clifornia.
Joe was married to Christina (Peggy) Cross, also of Limerick, for 54 years. He had a deep appreciation for his adopted country that provided the opportunity to raise his family; sons Michael (deceased as an infant), Joseph, Kevin, Patrick, Vincent, daughter Caroline McKnight, three daughters-in-law, a son-in-law and 14 grandchildren. But his loyalty to his beloved Eire never diminished. Joe is survived by his immediate family, his brother, Paddy Hanley of Limerick, and sisters-in-law Bridie Hanley of London, England and Dot Hanley of Wirral, England.
Joe played hurling for Claughaun GAA Club, and later rugby for the Beactive Rangers R.F.C. of Dublin. Yet his rugby years with the Richmond R.F.C. may have been his most notorious as he captained them to the 1945-46 Munster Junior Cup Championship, while earning the reputation of having "safe hands plenty of grit".
During the Richmond days he acquired the nickname, "Jogger Hanley," not only in reference to his fast gait, but also after continuously being seen jogging aroud the city of Limerick. A leisurely pace through life was never his plan, nor his demeanour. His nickname is still widely known today in Ireland, Canada and the United States, and is often utterted by friends too numerous to count. At his home, he had an open door policy before it was vogue; friends and family from Limerick travelled to Toronto and California to stay with him. In 1991 he retired from Hertz Car rental after 33 years which left him with more time to follow his hometown Irish Rugby team, Munster, along with his adopted Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. For Joe, a Munster or Notre Dame game was an occasion in and of itself. We will missed the big heart that belied his sharp-tongued wit, his unexpectful playfulness, and his traditional Irish songs.
THe services were held at the San Fernando Mission Chapel in Mission Hills, California on Friday, May 11. Interment was with his beloved Peggy at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery.
May he rest in peace
Courtesy of the Limerick Leader
10 May 2008
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