Paul Francis Hannon

Paul Francis Hannon of Franklin, Massachusetts, formerly of West Roxbury, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on June 22, 2023, six days shy of his 97th birthday. Beloved husband of 68 years to the late Evelyn A. (Mulcahy) Hannon. Loving father to Susan M. Maraghy and her husband Larry of Wrentham, Br. Paul F. Jr. CFC of Staten Island, NY, Frank J. of Franklin, Robert G. and his wife Paige of Franklin, Mary K. Doherty and her husband Michael of Franklin, Thomas F. and his wife Penny of Douglas, and the late Kathleen and Judith Anne. Devoted grandfather of eleven grandchildren and 5 4/5th great grandchildren. Brother of the late Virginia Ruane, Thomas Hannon, and Barbara Noonan.
The son of Thomas and Helen (Twomey), Paul, was raised in Malden, Massachusetts and a graduate of Malden Catholic High School in 1944. Like many of his generation, Paul was quick to enlist in the United States Army on his 18th birthday where he was deployed as a Rifleman to 184th Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division. Considered the last major battle of World War II, Paul earned a Bronze Star at the 82 day Battle of Okinawa. V-J Day brought the 7th Infantry to the liberation of Korea where Paul was assigned the responsibility of establishing and running an Army Post Office. Paul would serve the balance of his time in the Army as APO 7 Postmaster for which he was awarded a Medal of Commendation.
After the war, Paul found himself working in the mailroom for an oil company in Boston. Hard working and passionately loyal, Paul earned a degree from Northeastern University and would spend 38 years at what would become ExxonMobil, retiring as an executive.
Paul and Evelyn enjoyed a long retirement, spending winter months in Venice, Florida where he enjoyed playing tennis and hosting parties - always with a Manhattan in his hand. Since 1951, Paul annually spent 2 weeks in the same summer cottage on Squam Lake, New Hampshire. He passed his time reading the Boston Globe, cheering on Boston sports teams and tending to his garden's flowers and tomatoes. A devout Catholic, Paul served as an Usher at St. Theresa of Avila Church, West Roxbury for many decades, the Parish where he and Evelyn were wed.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours in the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St., West Roxbury on Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Theresa Church at 11:30 am. Interment with Military Honors will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to Salmon VNA and Hospice, 37 Birch St, Milford, MA 01757 or at salmonhealth.com. For directions or to leave a condolence message for the family, please visit: gormleyfuneral.com

Published by William J. Gormley Funeral Home on Jun. 25, 2023.