WAUKESHA — Deacon Thomas James Hanley, age 89, passed away July 11, 2025, in Waukesha.
Deacon Hanley was born September 4, 1935 in Chicago, IL to the late Robert and Marcella “Mikey” (Kelly) Hanley.
Deacon Hanley lived a life dedicated to his Catholic faith. He graduated from St. George High School in Evanston, IL, attended John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, Loyola University and St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee. While in school, Tom served in the ROTC.
On June 30, 1956, Deacon Hanley was united in marriage to Judith Ann Clary in Chicago.
He was ordained to the permanent diaconate in 1977. He moved to the Diocese of Green Bay for secular work in 1988 and was eventually incardinated into Green Bay in 1991.
Deacon Hanley had various careers, including production control at Allen Edmonds and various restaurant management positions including owning and operating Hanley’s Riverview Country Club. He also was employed at Weinbrenner Shoe Company.
He served as a deacon and as director of religious education in several Catholic parishes in Milwaukee, Port Washington, Cedarburg, Wind Lake, and St. Mary Parish in Antigo.
He served the Antigo area parishes until his return to the Milwaukee area in 2012.
Deacon Hanley retired on July 1, 2016, after which he moved back to the Antigo area.
Survivors include his five children: Merle (Bill) Beaudry of Waukesha, Laura (Jon) Retzlaff of Hales Corner, Thomas Jr (Donna) Hanley of Cedarburg, Michael Hanley of Antigo, Lisa (Jim) Rustick of Elcho, two brothers: John Hanley of Crystal Lake, Il and Robert Hanley of Chicago. 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is further survived by dear friends Beverly Wiloff and Mary Gorka.
Deacon Hanley was preceded by his wife, Judith Ann Hanley on June 16, 2025.
A memorial Mass for Deacon Hanley will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Wencel’s in Neva, WI. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Wencel’s Cemetery for both Tom and Judith Ann.