Joseph W. Hanlon

Joseph William Hanlon, 77, of 199 Lake Avenue, Lake Luzerne, passed away at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Tuesday, May 8, 2018.
Born September 16, 1940, in Springfield Gardens, NY, Joe was the son of the late Joseph W. and Marion (Goodnow) Hanlon.
In 1956, along with his family, Joe moved to Hadley from Valley Stream, NY.
Upon his graduation from Hadley Luzerne High School, Joe attended Springfield College in Springfield, Mass, where he earned his B.S. in Physical Education. While at Springfield College, Joe competitively boxed in the "Golden Gloves - New England Tournament of Champions", in Holyoke, Mass. where he won that stage of the tournament in the heavyweight class. The championship round was held in Lowell, Mass, where he placed second after losing by decision. Nonetheless, it was a remarkable accomplishment, since it was only his fourth official bout.
Upon graduating from Springfield, Joe started his teaching career as Elementary Physical Education Teacher at Hadley-Luzerne Central School in 1963. In 1969, Joe went to Argyle Central School as the High School Physical Education Teacher and Athletic Director. Joe returned to Hadley Luzerne in 1972 as High School Physical Education Teacher and Athletic Director, following the death of his mentor George Doherty. Joe also coached football, baseball and basketball all at the varsity level with much success.
Joe also worked for many years in the summer months at 1000 Acres Ranch in Stony Creek as Social Director and also at the Pro-Shop on the 1000 Acres Golf Course.
In 1995, Joe retired from teaching to pursue one of his life-long ambitions, to drive tractor-trailers. Joe was employed by Saratoga Transport.
Joe was a past member of Luzerne Hadley Fire Department and at the time of his death, was serving as Fire Commissioner.
In recent years, Joe returned to serve the Hadley Luzerne Central School District as a member on the Board of Education right up to the time of his passing.
Besides his coaching and teaching career, Joe was dedicated to mentoring and assisting both kids and adults in the community. Joe was dedicated to helping the underdog as well as the star athlete. If you had a problem, or just wanted sage advice, Joe always had an open-door policy and the time to listen.
Joe competed in PRCA Rodeo at the Painted Pony Rodeo in Lake Luzerne, where he won both the 1959 and 1960 seasons in steer wrestling on his horse "Rusty". All his life, he loved and followed rodeo and anything involving horses.
Joe was an avid beagler, whose kennel produced many field champions. In 2017, he was honored with receiving the Better Beagling SPO Hall of Fame Hound Award in recognition of his North Bend Billy Grimshaw bloodline that his kennel was famous for.
Joe was an avid hunter and golfer, who valued his time in the woods, or on the greens.
Joe had a passion for traveling after retirement with his loving companion, Betty Jean Mason. They traveled together across this great country four times staying in their "home away from home" truck camper. They saw all the sights and wonders that America has to offer.
Survivors include his loving companion, Betty Jean Mason. One sister, Beverly Carhart of Calhoun Falls, SC. One special cousin, Nora Thomas of Stony Creek. One daughter, Patti Dunegan (Michael) of Manassas, VA, three sons, Edward Hanlon of Saratoga Springs, Timothy Hanlon Sr (Gemma) of Hadley and Matthew Hanlon (Kerry) of Hadley.
Grandchildren include Timothy Jr., Ryan and Theo Hanlon, Megan, Kara and Patrick Dunegan, Katelyn and Ava Hanlon and one great-granddaughter, Delaney Jane Hanlon.
Joe is preceded by his parents, Joseph W. and Marion (Goodnow) Hanlon, one brother, Michael Pataki, one sister, Joanne (Hanlon) Sehlmeyer and one special cousin, Thomas Hanlon.
Calling hours will be held at the Hadley Luzerne Wesleyan Church, 445 Lake Avenue, Lake Luzerne on Friday May 18 from 1 to 4 pm and from 6 to 9 pm.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held May 19 at the George Doherty Gymnasium at the Hadley Luzerne High School, 273 Lake Avenue, Lake Luzerne starting at 12 noon.
A reception at Luzerne-Hadley Fire Department, 35 Lake Avenue, Lake Luzerne will immediately follow the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the George Doherty Award Scholarship Fund c/o Glens Falls National Bank, PO Box 489, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846.

Services:

Visitation
Hadley Luzerne Wesleyan Church
Friday, May 18, 2018
1-4 and 6-9 pm.

Celebration of Joe's Life
12 Noon, Saturday, May 19, 2018
George Doherty Gymnasium
Hadley Luzerne Central School

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