Reverend John J. Hanley, Roman Catholic Priest, died
peacefully on March 20, 2014. Born on December 9, 1925 in San Francisco, California, Father John entered the Society of Jesus on February 17, 1943 and was ordained on June 15, 1956. With his strong love of academics, he was a teacher and high school administrator for St. Ignatius High School in San Francisco (1958). He moved to Phoenix in 1962 and was a teacher (1962-68) at Brophy College Prep, Brophy Prep Assistant Principal (1968-72) and Brophy Prep Principal (1972-74). He also served as Assistant Principal at Kingman High School (1974-1980) and Principal of Kingman High School (1980-84); and Principal of Gerard High School in Phoenix (1985-89). Father John served as Associate Pastor for St. Theresa Catholic Church, Phoenix (1989-91) and Pastor of Holy Spirit Parish, Tempe (1991-2006). He retired in 2006 and joyfully resided at Mount Claret Retreat Center. Father John requests that in lieu of flowers,
donations be made to the Holy Spirit Church Capital Improvement Fund in his
name, 1800 E. Libra Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283, in order to maintain the church and
grounds he was instrumental in building for the parish. Father John is preceded
in death by his parents, Nora and John Hanley; his sister Elizabeth Hanley
McMillan, his brothers Dick Hanley and Jim Hanley. Father John’s life’s work touched, inspired and healed many special people, including his devoted friend Patricia (Patty)
Chesebrough. His bright smile will surely be missed; his caring will never be forgotten. Visitation will be held from 6:00-7:00pm, with Rosary at 7:00pm, Wednesday, March 26, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd. Funeral
Mass will be at 4:00pm Thursday, March 27, at Brophy Chapel, 4701 N. Central
Ave. Graveside Service 10:00am, Friday, March 28, at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48
th
Street, Phoenix.