Michael Hannon, Sr., 58, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on March 29, 2011.
He was born April 7, 1952 in the New York Foundling Hospital in New York City where he lived until the age of one. He then grew up in Queens, living with his mother on and off in between foster homes and his uncle's home. He was the oldest of three. His younger brothers, Lenny Mainardi and Bobby Ehmer were in his care many a day. He was estranged from them early on, Lenny living with his father and Bobby being adopted by a family in Beacon. In his 40s, Michael found Lenny. Unfortunately, after many years of searching long and hard, he and Bobby were never reunited. He struggled many difficulties related to his abusive childhood.
In 1966, Michael was sent to Children's Village in Dobbs Ferry. Here he was introduced to sports at which he possessed great talent. He was a promising boxer, as well as playing semi professional football in Nyack. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Giants, and enjoyed playing softball and running.
He moved to Dutchess County in the 1970s and worked very hard with the help of many friends to turn his life around, and he succeeded, helping many people along the way. Michael was an EMT, ambulette driver and "tin knocker", his last vocation with the local union where he worked until his permanent disability in 1990 which he struggled with until his death.
On June 16, 1985, he married Mary Kate Duffy at Holy Trinity Church in Poughkeepsie. Together, Michael and Katie raised two wonderful boys, the lights of his life, Michael Hannon Jr. and Patrick Hannon who survive at home. He also leaves behind his cousins, Richard D'Ornellas, Dougie Vieira, Michael Vieira , Stanley Vieira , Peggy Vieira and Vinnie Vieira and their spouses, all of whom he considered his family; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Christopher Duffy, Julie Cross, Jennifer Donovan, Meg Phillips, Terence Duffy, Jim and Jessica Logan and Jamie and Erin Hearn; his nieces and nephews, Molly Donovan, Sarah Cross, Caitlin Donovan, Timothy Cross, Emily Logan, Conor Logan, Liam Logan and Teague Hearn; and his faithful dog, Beyonka.
Michael's wife and children would like to thank everyone at VBMC for their support through this most difficult time. The thoughts, prayers, phone calls and donations of time to Mary Kate to allow her to be at Michael's side and care for him were greatly appreciated. Thanks to Dr. David Kerner, Dr. Peter Varunok, the palliative care team, the nurses on South 5 from VBMC and Hospice for their compassionate care.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday from 3 to 7:30 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The funeral service will be at 7:30pm.