James A. Hanley, a resident of Bedford since 1957, passed away on January 31, 2013, surrounded by his devoted family.

He was born on June 17, 1926, in Warren, Rhode Island to the late Alyward J. and Anna (Colgan) Hanley.

He graduated from Belmont High School in 1944, after enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served as a sergeant in Tokoyo, Japan in charge of a unit covering operations in the Pacific from Alaska to New Zealand.

He graduated from Vesper School of Art in Boston and worked at Anderson Nichols Company in Boston, drawing blueprints and as a purchasing agent for Analex Corp.
He was the director of purchasing for Electro Power Pacs, Inc. in Cambridge and later worked for the Bedford Public Schools in the maintenance department, retiring in 1995.

He coached youth hockey in Bedford for 12 years. Together with his wife, Connie, he raised 11 children. He was a member of St. Michael's parish and the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Constance (Kearney) Hanley, and his childen
and their spouses, Thomas Hanley and Kathy of Grand Rapids, MI, Constance Curran and John of Merrimac, MA, Kevin Hanley and Cindy of Lowell, Cathleen Latina and Brian of Chelmsford, Maureen Hanley and Pete Lisiecki of S. Boston, Carol Burnham and John of E. Sandwich, John Hanley and Katie of Abington, James Hanley and Sue Kazolias of S. Boston, Brian Hanley and Cindi of Stoneham, Robert Hanley and Janine of Plymouth and Marykate Ellenton and Justin of Ipswich. Also survived by 24 grandchildren and 1great grandchild.

He was predeceased by his brother, Robert of Arlington and sister, Margaret Manus of Burbank, CA.

His funeral will be held from the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 The Great Rd., Bedford, Mon., Feb 4, at 8:00 A.M. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Michael Church, 90 Concord Rd., Bedford, at 9:00 A.M.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sun., Feb. 3, from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M.

Memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics, 1133 19th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036 or to the Disabled American Veterans Memorial Program, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.