- Date Of Birth: July 21, 1980
- Date Of Death: December 29, 2021
- State: Illinois
Patrick James Hanlon, 41, passed away on December 29, 2021 in Chicago. Patrick was born on July 21, 1980 in Galesburg, Illinois, son of John and Ruth Anne Hanlon.
In addition to his many beloved extended surviving family members, Patrick is survived by his parents, his two brothers, Sean (Karla) Hanlon of Denver, Colorado and Michael Hanlon of Galesburg, his two sons, John “Jack” Patrick Hanlon and Brian Leahy Hanlon of Lockport, Illinois, along with his former wife and mother of his sons, Kathleen Hanlon. Patrick is also survived by two nieces, Emma Hanlon and Olivia Hanlon of Denver, Colorado, and one nephew, Jake Hanlon of Denver, Colorado.
Patrick attended Costa Catholic School, was a 1998 graduate of Galesburg High School, and earned his B.A. in 2002 from Illinois Wesleyan University.
Patrick’s family and friends loved him deeply. They will remember Patrick for his rare combination of positive attributes—intelligence, athleticism, and musical talents—that brought them so much joy over the years.
Whether it was competing on athletic fields or courts, playing musical instruments, singing, acting, dancing, songwriting or cracking jokes, Patrick was truly at his best when performing for others. Nothing in life brought Patrick more joy and fulfillment than to know that he made people feel happy, loved, connected and entertained.
Patrick was an outstanding athlete who excelled in three sports in high school: football, basketball and baseball. After high school, Patrick continued playing both football and baseball at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Patrick’s favorite sport to play was basketball. Patrick had the great fortune of starting for the Galesburg High School Hall of Fame 1998 Silver Streaks basketball team. That team finished second in the state. He forged life-long friendships with his teammates. At the end of his senior year in high school, Patrick earned the Don Morris Award, given to the outstanding multi-sport student athlete of the year for the Western Big 6 Conference.
Patrick connected with people through his music. Patrick played several instruments and was a talented singer and songwriter. And for several years, Patrick was the lead singer and songwriter for a band named, “Patrick ‘n Swayze,” which became a very popular band in college towns throughout Central Illinois.
In addition to Patrick’s athletic and musical abilities, he was charismatic. Patrick’s popularity as a musical performer was not limited to his singing and guitar playing. Rather, it was enhanced by his charm and presence. He was a consummate entertainer.
Patrick’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life, his good humor, and stage presence allowed him to continue entertaining crowds in between songs or sets. Patrick lit up the room. His versatility as a musician, comedian, and actor led to him being cast as the “Wedding Singer” in the Chicago-based performance of “Tony and Tina’s Wedding,” including performing with Frankie Avalon.
When he wasn’t performing, Patrick put his abilities to connect with others to work in sales. Patrick held a variety of sales-based jobs over the course of his career. The greater he could connect with others, the more he enjoyed his work.
At his core, Patrick was a kind soul with a big heart who loved his family and friends to the fullest. Patrick was always his happiest while surrounded by those that he loved, and that loved him back. Above all else, Patrick loved his two sons with his entire heart and was so proud of each of them.
While his life did not last as long as we all expected and hoped, his optimism will always be eternal, and the happy memories he created will be remembered and retold.
