Obituary: George Arthur Hanlon, 77, Longtime Ridgefielder

Information and Photo Courtesy Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home

RIDGEFIELD, CT — George Arthur Hanlon, a longtime Ridgefielder and a former Planning and Zoning Commissioner, unexpectedly passed away at his home on June 23 at the age of 77. He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Carol Palmer Hanlon, formerly of Westport.

A true Ridgefield legend, George relocated here from New Canaan when he was eleven years old and was a 1965 graduate of Ridgefield High School. He was a past president of the Ridgefield Old Timers Association, and with his wife Carol started the town’s smoke detector program. He also served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for ten years.

His professional journey was a testament to his resilience and hard work and he had the respect of every contractor in the area. When his father unexpectedly passed away, George, a 19-year-old college freshman, stepped into his shoes as a Sales Representative for Stamford Insulation taking over his entire territory while helping to support his family. George built his career through hustle and hard work. He eventually partnered in multiple businesses, including being a founding partner of New England Building Products and US Insulation. While he retired several times, his strong work ethic always called him back, and he continued to work until the day he died. In his lifetime, George built over twenty-five houses and insulated many of the houses in Ridgefield and surrounding towns. George also designed and built the homes that he and his family lived in.
George was witty, artistic, had a passion for history and was an avid reader. He knew every back road and shortcut in Fairfield County. He loved golf and enjoyed regaling others with stories, especially about his hole in one at Salem Golf Club in 2001. George gave everyone the benefit of the doubt and always had a positive attitude, no matter what life dished out. He never held a grudge and was always happiest when he was with his family, reminiscing over old times and especially when the New York Giants were winning. Friends say that traveling with George was like traveling with the Pope because he knew everyone.

Besides his beloved wife Carol, he is survived by four children: George Hanlon and his wife Missy, Jessica Clifford, Christine Ryan and her husband Daniel, and Caroline Hanlon; along with seven grandchildren: Spencer and Chase Hanlon, Audrey, Ian, Julia and James Clifford, and Jane Ryan; his brothers William and Michael Hanlon; his sisters Margaret Gardella, Catherine Lischke and her husband Jerry, and Sharon Hanlon. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents George and Margaret Hanlon and his sister Patricia Clark and brother-in-law Lee Clark.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 30, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Saint Mary’s Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately.

Contributions in his memory may be made to: Town of Ridgefield Emergency Fund c/o Friends of Ridgefield, 400 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877.