Patrick (PJ) Joseph Hanlon

Heaven gained another angel with the passing of Patrick Joseph (PJ) Hanlon (71) on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026 in his West Haven home. Born in New Haven on July 28, 1955, he graduated from Wilbur Cross and served in the Navy. He served for three years during the Vietnam War, starting just two days after his 18th birthday. PJ did not talk about his days with the Navy often, but he was proud to be a Veteran.

After returning home, PJ started a family with Elizabeth Ann McCaffrey, and was a loving father to their three daughters. He was a proud Irish American like his parents, Patrick John Hanlon and Catherine Francis Burke. He served as Grand Marshall for the New Haven Saint Patrick's Day Parade in 1986. Growing up in a Catholic home, PJ was an alter server in his younger years. He shared his faith with his girls and many others teaching cadecism and youth groups and serving as a Eucharistic Minister at Saint Mary's Parish in Branford for years.

PJ loved watching his girls become mothers, being Pop to his four grandchildren, and Uncle Pop to family and friends. His grandchildren brought him so much joy. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching his grandkids games and recitals. PJ will be forever loved, deeply missed, and always hold a special place in our hearts. His loved ones are grateful for his service and faith, finding comfort that he was embraced by many family and friends in heaven.

PJ is survived by his family: his daughter's mother Elizabeth Ann McCaffrey; children Catherine and Mike Smith, Jacqueline OHanlon, Bernadette OHanlon and Rick Wright; grandchildren Brayden Wright, Arya and Conor Smith, Elijah Baldwin; siblings Kathleen Mulqueen, Mike Hanlon, Johnny and Anne Hanlon, Eileen Tierney, and Dennis and Marisol Hanlon; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Patrick and Catherine Hanlon, Nancy Hanlon, Ed Tierney, and Mike Mulqueen.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 2nd at the State Veteran's Cemetery in Middletown, CT. Military Honors will start promptly at 10am, followed by prayers and memories from the family.