Obituary of William Hannan

William R. Hannan Sr. Korean War Veteran and retired N.Y. C. Detective William Richard Hannan Sr. passed peacefully April 23,2015 at the Long Island State Veterans Home. He was 81 years old and the cause of death was complications from Alzheimer's. Former Commissioner of the N.Y.C. Department of Investigation Nicholas Scopetta described Hannan as, "the sweetest man I have ever met". He joined the NYC Police Department in 1958. For 12 of the more than 20 years of service, he was a motorcycle patrolman and instructor. He participated in many motorcades including Pope Paul VI visit in 1965, and other foreign dignitaries. He retired as a detective in the Department of Investigation, where he worked with Scopetta. William Hannan, known as "Bill", was born in Cascade, Iowa in 1933. His mother Irene, brother Roy and sister MaryJane moved to Brooklyn in 1942. He attended Erasmus High School graduating in 1952 and played baseball for Little Flower. His friend Billy Hill described him as a devastating hitter, and despite requests for tryouts from the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as Sargent First Class in a Tank Division and witnessed North Korean's waving white flags at the end of the war. Bill retired from the NYC Police Department and worked for the National Insurance Crime Bureau for 20 years. He and his wife Connie were married nearly 57 years and she was the foundation of his life. They were both active members in St. Raymond's parish in East Rockaway. Bill coached CYO baseball, was a member of the Holy Name Society, the Nocturnal Adoration Society, and an Extraordinary Minister. Their life long friends made during these times were a source of great joy. In 1984 they were fortunate to join the community of Southampton Shores where their family still has a home. Bill fulfilled a life long goal in 1986 when he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from New York Institute of Technology. They moved to East Williston in 1994 and lived there since. Retirement permitted him time to reconnect with many of his Brooklyn friends from school and sports. Connie and Bill reveled in these friendships for many years, especially during winters in Vero Beach Florida. Activities included gardening and golf. Bill also did volunteer work at St. Ignatious Loyola Retreat House for 10 years. While he was proud of his military service in Korea, and his time as a New York City Policeman during the tumultuous 1960's and 1970's, he was not hardened by them. He often reached out to those who had experienced hurt in some way, and sought to comfort them. He put others before himself. In this way he led an exemplary life. He is survived by his wife Connie, his son William (Lisa), of Manhasset, N.Y., son Mark (Kathy) of Wheaton Il. , daughter Nancy (Steve) of Rockville Centre, N.Y., and daughter Carrie (Brian) of Bronxville, N.Y., and eleven grandchildren. Viewing is to be at Perry Funeral Home in Lynbrook Sunday 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00. A Mass Of Christian Burial will take place at St. Aidan Roman Catholic Church in Williston Park on Monday April 27 at 11:15. Interment at Long Island National Cemetery will be private at a future time.