Horseman Peter Kieran Hanley, 86, of Randolph, Maine, passed away on Wednesday, March 25 at Togus VA Hospice, following a short illness.
Hanley was born July 25, 1928, in Gardiner, Maine, to William Francis and Anne Kieran Hanley. He was educated at Gardiner High School, where he graduated in 1947. He also attended the Kennebec School of Commerce.
He proudly served his country in the National Guard and the United States Navy for five years as a Gunners Mate and a Helmsman. He said “I saw more of the world by mistake than most people see on purpose.” While in Rome, he shook the hand of Pope Pius XII.
After serving his country, he met the love of his life, Shirley Weston, of Farmingdale, Maine. They got married on September 24, 1954.
He was employed by the United States Post Office in Gardiner, Maine, for 25 years.
He loved the town of Randolph. After moving there he served as Constable and Deputy Sheriff for the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Department. He served on the Board of Selectmen in Randolph for many terms between 1967 and 2013. While on the board of Selectmen, he helped dedicate the new Gardiner-Randolph Bridge in 1978. His greatest accomplishment for the town was spearheading the fundraising for the Randolph Veterans Memorial, raising more than $25,000. The Memorial was erected in 2008.
He was a member and representative of the Kennebec County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. For his efforts he received a commendation from President Nixon. He also served as Chairman of the Loan Committee at Riverview Credit Union. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and the Gardiner Sportsmen’s Club.
He was also a member of the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association, the United States Trotting Association, and the Maine Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association.
He was a lifelong farmer, and was known for his fresh capons and turkeys.
His lifelong hobby was horse racing. He bred, trained, or owned more than 100 racehorses. His best horse was Lucks Lazy Lady, who was foaled at the family farm in 1979. She won 14 stakes races in a row as a two and three-year-old and was named Maine Pacer of the Year in 1984.
His children and grandchildren are involved in many aspects of the harness industry from owners, breeders, racing officials, blacksmiths, trainers and grooms. He loved meeting and talking with all the horsemen wherever he went. Hanley would bring them his pickles and pickled eggs and he always loved to bring maple syrup to his pal Ronnie Pierce. His love for harness racing will truly be passed on for generations to come.
He was an avid Notre Dame fan and met his favourite coach Lou Holtz when he attended a Notre Dame/Navy football game in Dublin, Ireland. In his later years he was a huge Patriots and Red Sox fan.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Weston Hanley; sons, Francis, Shawn (Debbie), Matt, Peter II (Dawn), Fr. Christopher and Paul; daughters, Stephanie and Andrea Hanley Caswell (Paul); grandchildren, Francis II, Emily, Heidi (Noah) Harrison, Erica, Kate, Jake, Adam (partner Lina Persson), Matt II, Peter Bouffard, Sara Bouffard, Samantha and Andrew; great-grandchildren, Ellianna Rose, Lucas, Olivia and Keegen; and close friends, Bob Moody and Paul (Linda) Bouffard. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Francis and Anne Kieran Hanley; brothers, Louis, Bill, John, Joe and Tom; and sisters, Joann Detwiller, Phyliss Wheeler, Carolyn Coyne, Roselle Bonsant, Elaine Stevens, Christine Bealieau and Mary.
Visiting hours will be held Monday (March 30) from 4-7 p.m. at Staples Funeral Home in Gardiner. A funeral mass will be held Tuesday (March 31) at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Gardiner, followed by a celebration of Peter’s life at the Smith-Wiley Post 4 American Legion on Griffin St. in Gardiner.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Togus, especially the emergency crew, ICU and Hospice unit.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory can be made to The Randolph Veterans Memorial, 121 Kinderhook Street, Randolph, ME 04346 and/or The Gardiner Public Library, Water Street, Gardiner, ME 04345.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Peter Hanley.
(The Hanley Family)