Earl Loren Daniel Hanley

With great sadness the family of Earl Hanley announces his passing on December 6th, 2019 surrounded by his loved ones. Earl was born on December 21, 1942 to William and Catherine Hanley in Butte, Montana. At 17, he moved to Seattle and graduated from O’Dea High School in 1961. After graduating from Iona College in New York, he started his teaching career at St Mary Magdalen in Everett followed by serving as education director at Holy Rosary in Edmonds. In 1974, Earl was offered his dream job and returned to his beloved O’Dea. With great love and commitment, he worked at O’Dea for the next 31 years as a teacher, coach, and mentor until his retirement in 2005. Earl’s zest for life was endless. He truly appreciated the outdoors, especially camping. He cooked every meal over the fire and scoffed at the notion of ever using a propane stove. Sports always brought Earl great joy. After his own playing days were over, he coached basketball and baseball, and spent many a weekend and evening cheering for his favorite professional and college teams. He was always an avid reader, especially of history, which he would pair with his favorite beverage — a hot black coffee. His true passion outside of his family was his students. He brought a style of his own to teaching and challenged his senior history class students with current news via TIME, Newsweek and the Economist rather than a textbook. Earl firmly believed that this approach inspired critical thinking and debate. Many former students refer to this experience as their most impactful class in preparing them for college and life. Loved by many but respected by all, he demanded their best and was always there for every student, even years after they graduated. In retirement, his focus turned solely to his family. He cherished every day with his wife of 49 years, Jean. They spent as much time as possible with their children and grandchildren. Selfless and pragmatic, Earl made the sole purpose of his life’s work to provide every opportunity for his family and considered them his greatest accomplishment. His true legacy remains the strength of his family and the thousands of students he helped mold into men of strong character with virtues to be passed along to families of their own. Earl leaves behind his wife Jean, daughter Lisa Turpen, son Jason (Madeleine) Hanley and grandchildren James & Sarah Turpen, Gavin, Quinn, and Mackenzie Hanley. Brothers Len (Robin), Timothy (Addy), Daniel (Annie) and sister Catherine (Tom) Martin, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers William, Robert, Richard and Jeremiah and numerous friends and classmates. Funeral services will be held on December 21st at 11am at St. James Cathedral. Celebration to follow in the O’Dea High School gymnasium. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Earl Hanley Memorial Fund via the link below or mailed to O’Dea directly. https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/pBGYHxGqDEW89-DqcNVyAA or traditional mail as below: Earl Hanley Memorial Fund O’Dea High School 802 Terry Ave., Seattle WA 98104