Joseph E. Hanlon's Obituary
Joseph E. Hanlon, 85, of Southampton, NJ passed away peacefully on the evening of February 14, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was pre-deceased by his father Joseph M. Hanlon, his mother Marie Hanlon (nee Foley), and brother James Hanlon. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carol A. Hanlon (nee Bethke), his son Joseph and his daughter Kathleen E. Kelley (nee Hanlon), son-in-law Kwinn S. Kelley, and beloved grandchildren Felix Joseph and Sabrina Ann of Vienna, Virginia, as well as his sister Barbara Bernard (nee Hanlon) and many nieces and nephews.
Joe was born in Philadelphia in 1936 and was a proud son of the Brewerytown neighborhood. An avid athlete, Joe played 1st Base on a variety of local baseball teams and took part in weekly basketball games at the “Rec” throughout his youth. Later in life, Joe was an active member of the Brewerytown-Fairmount Sports All Timers Association and dedicated time in his retirement to the group’s philanthropic efforts. Joe attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School and went on to graduate from Roman Catholic High School before obtaining his B.S. from La Salle University in Philadelphia.
Joe had a highly successful career managing aerospace programs at RCA, General Electric, Martin Marietta and Lockheed Martin. Some of his fondest memories were working to build satellite systems and the first camera for the moon landing in support of the Space Program at RCA in Hightstown, NJ, and his many years managing the AEGIS Naval Weapons Defense System Programs at Lockheed Martin in Moorestown, NJ. Joe’s work gave him the opportunity to travel the world, and he loved to reminisce about his many wonderful colleagues and his adventures abroad. Joe was exceptionally proud of his ability to support the defense of our nation and had himself served in the Air Force National Guard and Reserve Units from 1954-1964.
Like all good Irishmen, Joe loved the sea. As an adult, he spent many happy summer weekends sailing along the New Jersey coastline. He and Carol were active members of the Toms River Yacht Club in Toms River, NJ for many years and Joe proudly served as Commodore in 1990.
Having lost his own father at a young age, Joe was a dedicated mentor to all who knew him; he believed in six guiding principles which he shared with generations of friends and family by telling them to “aim high, believe in yourself, use your brain, be ready to go, never quit, and expect to win.” Joe was a tireless advocate of Jesuit philosophy and continually encouraged the young people in his life pursue advanced education as the foundation of their future. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Joe’s memory to Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia, PA.
Friends and loved ones are invited to gather at St. Mary of the Lakes Church at 40 Jackson Road in Medford, NJ on Wednesday, February 23rd from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a visitation. Immediately followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.
Memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be made to the Roman Catholic High School https://www.romancatholichs.com/giving/overview
To share your fondest memories of Joe, please visit the funeral home website at www.givnish
**** Please note the Jackson Road is is closed coming off of Tuckerton Road or Lakeside Drive. The funeral home will be using the following route to get to St. Mary's Parish: going left onto Main Street towards Walden Road. Main Street turns into Tuckerton Road. Make left onto Taunton Road. Bearing right onto Himmelein Road. Right onto Stokes Road. Right onto Jackson Road. St. Mary's will be on our right.
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