Robert A. Hanley, Sr., 88, of Newport, RI, passed away with a smile on his face on August 1, 2026 in his home while cheering on his favorite baseball team, the Boston Red Sox.
Bob was born on August 11, 1937 in Naugatuck, CT, the youngest of ten children of the late Joseph T. and Georgina (Englehart) Hanley. Bob graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1955 and immediately upon graduation, followed in each of his older brothers’ footsteps by joining the United States Navy. A few years later, Bob married his beloved wife, Mary Alice Patronik, on June 8, 1963. Soon they were transferred to Newport, RI compliments of the United States Navy and settled in a home to raise a large family of their own.
Bob was a Veteran of the Vietnam War and after 30 years, he retired from active duty as a Master Chief Petty Officer, Machinist Mate. Bob continued to serve his country at the Newport Naval War College as an HVAC technician and then as the NETC Safety Manager until his retirement in the mid-1990’s. The Master Chief remained a patriot to his death.
He was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, enjoyed watching the UConn Girls Basketball games, and in his later years, became a New England Patriots fan. Bob was a loving husband and father who was strong in his Catholic faith and was a devout attendee at Jesus Saviour Church. He was a member of the church choir and Holy Name Society for many years, as well as volunteered for the summer bazaars and Holy Ghost feasts.
In 1967, Bob joined the Newport Artillery Company of the Rhode Island Militia and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He marched in numerous parades around New England as well as participated in many historical battle reenactments. In 1991, Bob was awarded The Meritorious Service Medal for “distinguishing yourself conspicuously by exceptionally meritorious service during the period of January 1, 1990 – November 30, 1991” by the Governor of Rhode Island. He was also awarded the Saint Barbara Medal while serving with the Newport Artillery Company.
Bob was well read and enjoyed historical books. He was a military aficionado and enjoyed discussing history with others. He was a humble man who enjoyed time with his family especially with his grandchildren in the vegetable garden. Bob was a man of simple pleasures such as a good flea market, thrift store, or yard sale. He was a military vehicle collector, lifetime member of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association and restored a total of four jeeps, including his latest jeep that received First Place at the 1994 National MVPA Convention. This award earned his jeep a place in the military vehicle collector’s annual calendar. To this day, the family affectionately refers to the fully restored Ford jeep as “Miss December.”
In addition to his parents, Bob is predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary Alice; his son, David; his brothers, William Fleming, James Fleming, John Hanley, Jim Hanley, Raymond Hanley; and his sisters, Germaine Hanley, Jane Howson, and Betty Baker.
Bob is survived by his older brother, Joseph Hanley of Naugatuck, CT; and Bob’s children: Shawn Sarnosky and her husband, Vincent Sr. of Southborough, MA; Margaret Kirchof and her husband, Steven of Orlando, FL; Robert Hanley, Jr. and his wife, Pam of Middletown, RI; Germaine San Martin and her husband Bill of Bristol, RI; Colleen DeSouza of Tiverton, RI; and John Hanley and his wife, Rebecca Hogan of Middletown, RI; as well as 12 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are Tuesday, August 11, from 4:00-7:00pm at the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring Street, Newport, RI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 12, at 10:00am at Jesus Saviour Church, 509 Broadway, Newport. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery, 465 Browns Lane, Middletown, RI with full military honors.
An organization that was near and dear to Bob’s heart was the Wounded Warrior Project. The family asks that memorial donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 or online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
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