Published in the September 29, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Thomas J. Hanrahan, of Melrose, died at the Wingate in Reading on September 24, 2017 at the age of 86.
Tom was born in Kilkenny and raised in Limerick, Ireland. He was a graduate of the Model School, where all his classes were in Gaelic and went on to earn his degree from the Cresent College, both in Limerick City. Tom worked for the Limerick Gas Company before coming to the United Sates at the age of 23 and resided in Melrose since 1965. He worked for TWA Airlines for over 33 years and was an avid gardener and loved to work in his back yard. Tom started the Emerald Isle Social Club in Melrose in 1979 and also started the first youth soccer program in Melrose. He enjoyed swimming at the Melrose YMCA, dancing with his beautiful wife and was an avid Boston Bruins and soccer fan.
Tom’s family was the most important part of his life and he would take them every summer to Ireland for three weeks to spend time with family. He was the beloved husband of the late Emily T. (Heavey) Hanrahan for over 60 years. Loving father of Brenda T. McClure and her husband Scott of Westwood, Sheila M. Higgins and her husband Michael of Peabody, and Sharon A. Cvinar and her husband David of Peabody. Proud grandfather of Jessica, Rachael, Daniel, Stephanie, Jodi, Andrea, and Eric. Caring brother of the late Sean Hanrahan and his wife Imelda; Patrick Hanrahan and his wife Teresa; Marie Molloy and her husband Dominic; and Ethel O’Callahan and her husband Donal. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, September 27 at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, from 9-10 a.m., and was followed by a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. For the obituary please visit www.gatelyfh.com
