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March 9, 2023

Robert Francis Hannan, Sr.

Hannan, Robert Francis Sr. In Boston, March 9, 2023, at 97 years of age. Beloved husband of the late Nancy Hughes Hannan and loving son of the late Jeremiah and Kathleen (nee Richards) Hannan. He is survived by his five children:  Robert F. and his wife Lorrie Clark Hannan of Falls Church, VA.; Dr. Christopher W. and his wife Susan, of Weymouth; Dr. Mary K. and her husband Edmund Yee of Dalton, MA; Nancy L. and her husband Richard Rainer of Annapolis, MD; and Sally T. and her husband Paul Croarkin of Kensington, MD. Proud grandfather to 17 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and devoted brother of the late William F. Hannan and the late Richard D. Hannan. He is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Robert F. Hannan grew up in Medford Hillside and was a graduate of Medford High School, class of 1944. He attended Northeastern University graduating in 1949. He began his career as a reporter for the Boston Herald Traveler. Robert married and moved to Hyde Park in 1959, embracing this community for the next 56 years. He became the Boston City Hall beat reporter, covering mayors Hynes, Collins and White, before moving to the Massachusetts State House to cover statewide politics. He became the Research Director for the Boston City Council and retired in this role. He was a longtime officer of the Hyde Park Historical Society and the R.O.M.E.O. group for retired political reporters and politicians. He also founded the Companions of St. Joseph’s Parish. Robert moved to Allerton House in Hingham in 2015, immersing himself in this community for the last years of his life. Camping throughout America and visiting many countries worldwide highlighted his love of travel. A gentleman in every sense of the word, his character and interest in everyone and everything around him made him an unforgettable friend to so many and a hero to his family. A wake will be held on March 24, 2023, from 4:00-8:00 PM at the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home 40 Sea Street, NORTH WEYMOUTH, MA. There will be a Catholic Funeral Mass on March 25, 2023, at 10:00AM at St. Paul’s Church, 147 North Street, Hingham, MA. Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the Hyde Park Historical Society, c/o Hyde Park Public Library, 35 Harvard Avenue, Hyde Park, MA 02136. We encourage blood and other donations to be made to the Dana Farber Center.  https://www.brighamandwomens.org/patients-and-families/blood-donation/blood-donation-center