John Robert Hanlon

John Robert Hanlon, age 96, passed away on April 1, 2021 at Wesley Woods of New Albany, Ohio.  He was born June 26, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois to Dorothy and Raymond Hanlon. A proud veteran of World War II, he was drafted by the Army in February 1943 and served in the 3807 Quartermaster Truck Company.  He received a Bronze Star and three Battle Stars for his valor. Achieving the rank of Captain, he was discharged in March of 1946.  Upon return from military service he, along with his father, purchased the Credit Bureau of Erie County in Sandusky, Ohio.  In January 1947 he married Grace V. Scheid.  They had two children, Thomas J. Hanlon and Kathleen A Hanlon.  After owning his business for 32 years it was sold in 1978 and they moved to New Hampshire to continue his career in the credit industry.  Shortly thereafter in July 1978, their son Thomas was killed in a car accident and in 1982 his wife Grace passed away from cancer. 

Bob’s career then brought him to Columbus.  He met and married Jane T. Dixon in December 1984.  Bob and Jane enjoyed 36 years together until her passing in March 2021.

Always striving to improve the communities where he resided, Bob served as mayor of Sandusky, Ohio and on the City Commission.  He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Sandusky, The Lion’s Club, Jaycee’s and various other civic and charitable organizations.  To stay active during retirement Bob played golf and volunteered his time at Safari Golf Club.  Guided by his faith, Bob was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and received the award for distinguished and unselfish service. He and Jane were also very involved at their beloved St Peter Catholic Church in Worthington.  He served as an usher, worked with RCIA and worked with various other committees for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wives Grace and Jane, siblings Raymond (Elaine) Hanlon, Patricia (Donald) Routsong and Edward (Mary) Hanlon, son Thomas, and daughter-in-law Pam Dixon.

He is survived by his five children, Kathleen (Matthew) Faltys, William (Jan) Dixon, Robert (Mary Beth) Dixon, Anne (Stig Ljunggren) Turner, Mary Jo (Thomas) Vara, 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Friends may call Monday, April 12, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 4661 Kenny Road.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 13 at 10:30 a.m., St. Peter Catholic Church, 6899 Smokey Row Road, Columbus Ohio.  Private burial to be held at Resurrection Cemetery at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter Parish, stpetercolumbus.com, St Peter chapter Knights of Columbus, or Wesley Hospice, wesleyhospice.com. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Robert Hanlon, please visit our floral store.