Michael R. O’Hanlon was born on November 1, 1957, in the Bronx to Con and Ann O’Hanlon. Mike married Maggie (nee Loftus), the love of his life, on September 27, 1981. They shared over 36 loving years together. They moved to Cortlandt Manor and raised three children, Katherine, Michael Jr., and Martin, with the same values and traditions they experienced.
Mike attended schools in the Bronx and Yonkers, graduated from Mount St. Michael Academy in the Bronx, and attended Iona College. He joined the Fire Department of New York in 1982 and was fiercely proud to be part of the FDNY, which he called the “greatest job on Earth.” He was assigned to the “House on the Hill,” E68/L49 in the Highbridge section of the Bronx. He and his fellow firefighters participated extensively in the rescue and recovery effort at Ground Zero after the collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.
Mike was a member of the FDNY Emerald Society and Holy Name Society. He marched with the FDNY in numerous St. Patrick’s Day parades. He was honored to represent the FDNY as grand marshal of the 2002 Missoula, Montana, AOH St. Patrick’s Day parade, the first held after the 9/11 attacks. In 2012, Mike received an Outstanding Service Award from Bronx Community Board 4 for his dedicated service to the people of New York.
Mike and Maggie enjoyed family vacations to Ireland and Long Beach Island and hosted many family gatherings at their home. Keeping their family close-knit was important to them. Mike always had a smile on his face, a big welcome for all he would meet. He was fiercely proud of his Irish heritage. Mike had the great honor of being grand marshal of the 2017 Peekskill St. Patrick’s Day parade. He was a proud member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 18, where he was named Man of the Year in 2016. Mike was an accomplished traditional button accordion player and loved to entertain his family and friends with Irish tunes. When Mike’s daughter, Katherine, married Brett Schlosser on Oct. 22, 2016, Mike and Kate showed off their Irish dancing talents in the best father-daughter dance of all time!
Mike retired in 2013 after a distinguished 30-year career, though he was fond of reminding everyone that you never really retire from the FDNY. On August 28, 2017, Mike passed away from a 9/11 cancer. He is deeply missed by his family, including numerous relatives both here and in Ireland, his extended FDNY family, and many friends who were always inspired by his courage, kindness, generous spirit and loving heart.
Thinking of Michael today 20 years since 911 and his loving wife Maggie and Children Katherine, Martin and Michael jr may he rest in peace
– Joan O'HanlonMissing my Dear Fireman Mike – Prayers and thoughts for you and your family are never ending. Until we meet gain.
– Martin Pfeiffer