John J. Hanlon

John Joseph Hanlon, age 88, of Brookeville, Maryland and Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded with the support of his family in the home he built and loved. Born in Webster Groves, Missouri, to Margaret and Joseph Hanlon, John grew up with his four siblings, learning early the value of faith, hard work, and community. As a boy, his childhood was shaped by wartime America — blackout drills, ration books, and patriotic send-offs for soldiers. Even then, he developed a quiet independence, walking to school alone and delighting in early television shows. When his father’s newspaper career brought the family to Silver Spring, Maryland in 1944, John attended St. Michael’s Elementary School and later St. John’s High School in Washington, D.C., where he discovered a talent for football. He earned full scholarships playing the quarterback position at the University of Maryland in 1955 and later at West Virginia University, and though injuries cut short his athletic career, his discipline and drive carried into all areas of life. At eighteen, John joined the U.S. Marine Corps and trained at Parris Island, South Carolina, where he developed lifelong habits of perseverance, order, and pride in service. After his time in the Marines, he earned a degree in Education and History from the University of Maryland. He taught history at Belt Junior High School for two years, inspiring students with his steady presence.

In the summer of 1960, John met Virginia “Ginny” Pirrung, whom he married on September 14, 1963. Their 60 year marriage was rooted in love, humor, and devotion. John and Ginny raised six children and had thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His family remained his proudest achievement and he felt a responsibility to do his best to see that his children and grandchildren would succeed. John lovingly cared for Ginny with unwavering dedication during her battle with ALS, reflecting the strength and honor that defined him.

He also enjoyed a love of hobbies including stonework, gardening, landscaping, reading, and running. John found his true career calling in building and construction. After working construction during his summers, he accepted a full-time role at Glen Construction. He then founded Hanlon Construction in 1967, which thrived for 50 years. He designed and built his family’s home in Brinklow, Maryland -  a place filled with laughter, love, and countless family gatherings. He is survived by his children Kathy (and Bill) Zonghetti, Jake Hanlon, Ginny Hanlon, Beth Hanlon, and Annie (and Brad) Lacey; his grandchildren Zachary (and Allison), Luke, Bernice, Jacob, and Jack Hanlon; Cole Miles; Kelly (and Blake) Larsen, Kyle and Ashley Zonghetti; Hana (and Pat) Armour and Danielle (and Kevin) Russell; Tyler and Jenna Lacey; his two great-grandchildren Jameson Hanlon and Sophia Russell; and his sisters Judy Cleaver and Moira Little.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Louise Hanlon; his son, Michael Joseph Hanlon; his brother, Larry Hanlon; and his sister, Margaret Hanlon. John’s life was one of purpose and quiet strength — a Marine, teacher, builder, son, husband, father, and grandfather who left every place he touched stronger and fuller of love. He strived to live a good and honorable life, guided by faith, integrity, and devotion to family. His favorite scripture, 1 Corinthians 13:11, reflected his life’s journey: “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 9th at 11:00 am in the Stone Chapel at St. Louis Catholic Church in Clarksville, Maryland. A Celebration of Life luncheon to follow mass at 12:30 pm at The Manor at Silo Falls, 19501 Georgia Avenue, Brookeville, Maryland 20833.

At John’s request Memorial donations can be made to The Brigance Brigade Foundation which equips, encourages, and empowers people living with ALS.

Brigance Brigade Foundation
10045 Red Run Blvd. Suite 130, Owings Mills MD 21117
Tel: 1-410-878-2030
Web: https://brigancebrigade.org/