Robert E. Hanley

Robert E. Hanley

Canandaigua, NY: Age 89, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. He was a Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather. He was a United States Marine Korean Veteran, who served with Able Company 1-7 1MARDIV 1951-1954. Robert fought hard in the battle at Warsaw, Yoke Hill 104 (biggest battle), and was awarded the Purple Heart. 

Robert was born March 17, 1931, in Canandaigua, NY. He was the son of Albert F. Hanley and Eugenia Lovenheim Hanley. He has been reunited with his parents, as well as his three predeceased brothers in heaven, Albert, Billy, and Gary. 

Robert is survived by his loving wife Eleanor (Peanut) Lonis Hanley of Farmington, his six children, Robert Jr.  (Elizabeth) of Honeoye, William (Sharon) of Dallas, Robin (Alan) Sadler of Farmington, Thomas (Karen) of Canandaigua, Timothy of Farmington, and Heather (Kelly) Power of Farmington. As well as 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. 

Robert began his early school years at St. Mary’s and graduated from Canandaigua Academy Class of 1951. While at Canandaigua Academy, Robert, nicknamed “Bone” by his fellow teammates, participated in Football, Basketball, and Track and Field. Robert was a successful insurance salesman for Combined Life Insurance where he retired with 25 years. Also, he passionately enjoyed playing the piano professionally. He was a self taught piano player best known for creating “The Bob Hand Trio” where he jammed with his other two band members in local hot spots. Later in his life Robert enjoyed playing piano at local Nursing/Retirement Homes in the surrounding areas, and Sunday brunches at The Belhurst Castle in Geneva, NY. Some of his memorable stories in the music business began in the 1950’s while engaged to Ellie, Robert took her out to a nightclub in Baltimore called“Strict’s.” There, Robert had the pleasure of joining in and playing with Patsy Cline’s up and coming band. Robert met Paul Newman while playing piano at The Belhurst Castle, and spoke to Johnny Cash at a local Fairgrounds. While retired in Florida, Robert was thrilled to have met Carmen Basilio, an American Professional Boxer and former Marine.  Robert was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Canandaigua Kiwanis Club, Marine Core. League, and the Shortsville American Legion. Robert was a huge Buffalo Bills, Syracuse, and Notre Dame fan as well as a local cheerleader in sports for his children and grandchildren in the Canandaigua, Victor, and Red Jacket School Districts. You could always hear Robert cheer for his family at many sporting events! Robert was the life of the party! He told great stories, enjoyed dancing the jitterbug with his wife, and sat in playing the piano or singing a song unrehearsed with bands. There were many fun memories of Robert, the Irish Lad born on St. Patrick’s Day and is famous for singing his favorite song, “Danny Boy.” We will always toast to him on that day… Cheers dad, till we meet again!

There will be no calling hours due to the Covid19 Crisis, but there will be a future funeral service at St. Mary’s church in Canandaigua at a date to be announced.

Memorial Donations may be made in his name to the American Red Cross.

To leave the family an online condolence, light a digital candle or to upload a photo, please visit Robert's Tribute Wall by visiting www.fingerlakescremationllc.com.

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