The Reverend Thomas Edward Hanley, 83
The Reverend Thomas Edward Hanley, retired priest of the Diocese of Wilmington, passed away on January 6, 2022.
Father Hanley was born December 21, 1938 in Wilmington the son of Thomas and M. Katherine (Coughlin) Hanley. He attended Christ Our King School and Salesianum High School in Wilmington. He studied for the priesthood at St. Mary's College, St. Mary's, Kentucky, and Theological College at Catholic University, Washington, DC. He was ordained May 21, 1965 at St. Peter's Cathedral, Wilmington by Bishop Michael W. Hyle.
Father served as associate pastor at St. Francis de Sales Church, Salisbury, Md. and St. Paul Church. He served as pastor of St. Paul Church, Wilmington, from 1976–1988, and Holy Cross Church, Dover, from 1988–2002. At Holy Cross, he supervised the construction of the new church.
At the diocesan level, he served as departmental secretary in charge of Catholic Charities. Father also served as Diocesan Director of Planning, Cursillo Spiritual Director, Coordinator for Spanish Ministry, Personnel Committee, Diocesan Director for Campaign for Human Development, Diocesan Director for Disaster Relief, Board Member of Catholic Ministry to the Elderly, Member of Ministry of Caring, Inc.'s Board, Chaplain to the students at St. Edmond's Academy, Correction Chaplains Task Force, Member Medical-Moral Committee of St. Francis Hospital, Diocesan Coordinator for the National Catholic Conference for Interracial Justice and Member Diocesan Pastoral Planning Committee.
Father Hanley is survived by two sisters and two brothers, Mary Parsons (William), Barbara Hanley, Richard Hanley and James Hanley (Mary). Father is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 12 noon at the Church of the Holy Cross, 631 S. State Street, Dover, Delaware, 19901. A visitation will be held beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, N. New Street, Dover, Del. Masks are strongly encouraged for mass and visitation services.
Father Hanley's family wishes to express special thanks to Fran Hettinger, the staff and the parish of Holy Cross, and the staff of Courtland Manor.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Church of the Holy Cross.
Condolences may be shared via www.ambruso.com
Arrangements by Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Director, Inc., Dover, Del.