Obituary

Robert A. Hanley Jr.

Wed, 05/18/2022 - 10:15am

Robert A Hanley. Jr., 97, of Boothbay Harbor passed away on May 13, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Hanley was predeceased by his late wife, Theodora and his loving son-in-law Timothy Poosikian, late husband to daughter, Maria of Southport. In addition to Maria, Robert leaves behind his son Timothy Hanley and his wife Mary Hanley of Southport, daughter Christine and husband Michael Warren of Edgecomb, daughter Ramone and husband Mark Warren also of Edgecomb. Robert was blessed with nine loving grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Robert grew up in the Inwood Neighborhood of NY, the only child to Robert A. Hanley Sr. and Matilda Corine Hanley. He graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in 1943 followed by enrollment in the V12 Officers Training Program at Union College in Schenectady, NY. It was there that he met his future wife, Theodora Maria Casella, also known as “Teddy.”

In 1943-45 he was commissioned and assigned to serve in the Western Pacific on a LCT. He returned stateside to Union College to complete his academics, graduating in 1948. Following graduation Robert traveled to Paris commencing his post for the U.S. Department of State with the Foreign Service. It was in Paris that he celebrated his marriage to Theodora at the Cathedral of Notre Dame. One year later they welcomed their first child, Timothy.

From 1948-1966 he was an active Navy Reserve Member. In 1951 he moved his family to Iraq, where they welcomed a second child, Christine. During this time there were travels to Northern Africa on assignment.

In 1953 the family returned stateside, soon after their third child was born, Ramone. Following their return he transitioned to trade development for the Port Authority of NY and NJ in Brussels, Belgium, where he served as the executive pavilion manager for the 1958 World’s Fair.

The family returned to the U.S., settling in Northern NJ, where he was reassigned to NYC to continue domestic and foreign assignments from 1959 - 1993. In 1961 he received his MBA through The City College of New York and soon after welcomed the youngest child, Maria, into the family.

Robert retired from the Port Authority in 1993 following the first World Trade Center Attack where his office was located since 1973. During these years he enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, Asia, The Maritimes through Alberta Canada to Alaska. In addition he traveled across country with his family and enjoyed dividing his time between his home in NJ and his beloved Hampton Bays, Long Island. Robert also enjoyed skiing and was an avid jogger, often mortifying his kids when he was spotted running backwards on local roads.

Additionally, Robert served as president of the board of directors for the McBurney YMCA in Chelsea, NY and was an active member of the American Legion.

Robert and Theodora moved to Boothbay Harbor in 2005. In April of 2009, his beloved Theodora passed away. Robert went on to honor her memory while continuing to live his extraordinary life meeting many friends along the way. Here he cherished his time with friends and family, especially if it included an excellent meal and an opportunity to tell a good story. He appreciated a good game of golf and enjoyed his time playing Bridge.

Robert, known to most as Bob, loved singing in the church choir at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Boothbay Harbor (despite being tone deaf as many of his fellow members can attest). Robert was known to have a kind heart and was a dedicated philanthropist. He is remembered as a devoted family man with an adventurous spirit, a great sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye.

A memorial Mass will be held on May 24, 2022 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Boothbay Harbor with a burial to follow directly afterwards at Evergreen Cemetery, Barters Island Road, Boothbay.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Robert’s name to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or the Maine Veteran’s Homes 460 Civic Center Dr, Augusta, ME 04330.

Hall’s of Boothbay has care of the arrangements. To extend online condolences, please visit hallfuneralhomes.com