John David Hanrahan
Born In: MacKay's Corner Glace Bay
Passed in: Glace Bay
Passed on: July 13th, 2015
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our father, John David Hanrahan, Glace Bay, who died at home on Monday, July 13, 2015, at the age of 64.
Born in MacKay's Corner, Glace Bay, David was the son of the late Alonzo and Veronica (Aucoin) Hanrahan.
After his marriage, David moved to Passchendaele and raised his family. He was a longstanding member of Saint Anthony's parish and later Holy Cross.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Mary (McPhee); two sons, Mark (Tracey) and Gerard (Helen); one daughter, Kerry O'Neill (Brian): six grandchildren, Gracie and Parker Hanrahan, Alexandra Hanrahan, Keegan, Jordan, and Jillian O'Neill, all of Glace Bay. He is also survived by two sisters, Diane Romard and Patsy Warren (Fred), all of Glace Bay and one brother, Michael (Debbie) of Coxheath. As well, he is survived by several in-laws including, Linda Hanrahan, Guy Viger, Marilyn and Bob Johnston, Sandra Novak, Kay and Garry Cox, Jim and Marilyn McPhee, Kevin and Lynn McPhee, Leo McPhee (Martha), Cameron McPhee (Paulette), Gerard and Janice McPhee and Brian and Wendy McPhee, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Roger and Lonnie Jr.; sister, Annette Viger, mother and father in-law, Annie and James McPhee, brothers-in-law, Greg Gouthro and Joe Romard; sister-in-law, Donna McPhee and nephew, Blaine Gouthro.
David was employed at the Sydney Steel Corporation (Sysco) for over 30 years as a pipe fitter. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, brother in-law, cousin and friend. He was a devoted family man, especially to his six grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as Bampy. He regularly attended all of their sporting activities, including Colonels ball games, Minor Hockey games, skating sessions, soccer games, and cheerleading events.
In his younger years, David was an excellent athlete, especially in hockey and baseball. He played for many years in the Glace Bay Commercial Hockey League, Sysco Hockey League and Glace Bay Slo-Pitch League, including currently with the Bulldogs Men's Slo-Pitch team.
He was a big fan of both the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Yankees. He was an avid baseball and hockey card collector, along with other sports memorabilia. He loved to travel to many parts of Canada and the United States to watch his children and grandchildren participate in sports. David was also a handyman who would tackle all types of odd jobs around the house.
Visitation will be on Thursday, July 16th, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Reserve Street, Glace Bay. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 17th, at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Church on Seaview Street, Glace Bay, with the Rev. Norman MacPhee officiating. Interment will be at Saint Anthony's Parish Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Holy Cross Parish Hall after the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saint Anthony Parish Cemetery Fund, Canadian Diabetes Association or a charity of choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
Broken Chain
We little knew that morning that
God was going to call your name
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone;
For part of us went with you
The day God called you Home.
You left us peaceful memories,
Your love is still our guide;
And though we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same;
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
Ron Tranmer
