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Michael O'Hanlon, 59, Cortlandt Manor, First Responder At Ground Zero

CORTLANDT MANOR, N.Y. -- Michael Richard O’Hanlon, a retired FDNY firefighter, died Monday at his home in Cortlandt Manor following a battle with a smile on his face resulting from his service at Ground Zero following the Sept. 11 attacks. He was 59.

Michael O'Hanlon

Michael O'Hanlon

Photo Credit: Contributed

O'Hanlon was a 30-year veteran of Engine Company 68 in the Bronx, retiring in 2013. He and his fellow firefighters from Engine 68/Ladder 49 in Highbridge participated in the rescue and recovery effort at Ground Zero following the attacks.

O'Hanlon was born Nov. 1, 1957, in the Bronx to Con and Ann O’Hanlon. His parents hailed from Ireland.

O'Hanlon attended schools in the Bronx and Yonkers, graduated from Mount St. Michael Academy in the Bronx, and attended Iona College before joining the Fire Department of New York in 1982. He was fiercely proud to be a part of the FDNY, which he called the “greatest job on Earth."

O'Hanlon married Maggie (nee Loftus) on Sept. 27, 1981. They moved to Cortlandt Manor and raised three children, Katherine, Michael Jr. and Martin with the same values and traditions they experienced growing up. 

O'Hanlon was a member of the FDNY Emerald Society and Holy Name Society. During his career he marched with the FDNY in numerous St. Patrick’s Day parades Earlier this year, O'Hanlon had the great honor of the being the Grand Marshal of the Peekskill St. Patrick’s Day parade

He was a regular for more than 25 years with Jack McAndrew at Guinan’s full moon sessions in Garrison, and he continued the tradition at The Quiet Man Public House in Peekskill after Guinan’s closed. He was a member of the Celtic Blend Band.

O'Hanlon was a member of the Hudson Valley Irish Fest Committee and volunteered his time and talents to one of the finest festivals around. 

He is survived by his wife, his children and son in law, his sisters and brothers in law, his niece and nephews, and numerous relatives both here and in Ireland.In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in O'Hanlon's name to the FDNY Family Transport Foundation. 

A wake will be held on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Yorktown Funeral Home at 945 East Main Street in Shrub Oak. A funeral mass will be held Friday, Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. at Church of the Assumption at 920 1st St. in Peekskill.

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