Paul was a man of tremendous accomplishments, performed in a quiet, unassuming way with a liberal dose of self-deprecating humor. As a resident of Skaneateles, New York, for over 50 years, Paul was an active leader in almost every aspect of town and community.
Paul’s priority was his family and his wife of 63 years, Rose. He was delightfully engaged in his children’s and grandchildren’s activities over the years as a coach, cheering section, and constructive mentor.
Music was a passion for Paul. He was a widely requested clarinet player, sitting in with many local bands, Dixieland sessions, and special events, including his children’s weddings.
Paul’s strong faith foundation was formed early in his life while attending Saint Anthony of Padua School through 12th grade and as a young man at Le Moyne College. He was a communicant of Saint Mary’s of the Lake Parish in Skaneateles for over 50 years, and was active on the leadership teams furthering the parish development and growth. Paul was named a Knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre.
Paul graduated from Le Moyne College in 1952 and received his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1955. Following his graduation, Paul joined the United States Navy, where he served as Trial Counsel of General Courts Martial of the Armed Forces of the United States. He was also an Admiral's Aide, stationed in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Paul joined the Firm of Hancock, Doerr, Ryan & Shove in 1959. He was with the firm, now Hancock Estabrook, LLP, until 2015, retiring at 85 years of age.
Paul was a creative and skillful trial attorney and gave many years of dedicated service to his clients and firm. Paul exemplified the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession and service to the public and was widely known as skillful, committed and brilliant trial lawyer whose feats in the courtroom are legendary. During his long and distinguished career as a trial lawyer, Paul was long-standing counsel for St. Joseph's Hospital, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse and personal counsel to the Bishop. He also served as counsel to Crucible Steel for many years. He served as an invaluable mentor to several generations of young associates at Hancock Estabrook and has helped further their careers as successful trial lawyers in Onondaga County and beyond
Paul was named an Honorary Lifetime Member and Fellow of the Onondaga County Bar Association in June of 2005 for 50 years of service to the Onondaga County bar. He was also a lifetime member of the New York State Bar Association, serving as Chairman of the Trial Lawyers Section and Member of House of Delegates, and was also a member of the American Bar Association. He was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Paul was a member of the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and the Board of the Syracuse Diocese. He is a past president of the Le Moyne College Alumni Association Board.
Paul is predeceased by his parents Martin J. and Marie H. Hanrahan and a brother Robert D. Hanrahan.
He is survived by his loving wife Rose (Sbardella) Hanrahan
married on August 27, 1955; Four children: Mary Rose Greenough, Christine Anninos, Cynthia Kuzma (Vaughn),
Paul M. Hanrahan, Jr. (Katy); 12 Grandchildren: Katherine Milne (Euan), Andrew Greenough, Jack, Vincent, George Anninos; Jacob, Benjamin, Claire Kuzma; Grace, Jane, John, and Marty Hanrahan; 1 great-grandchild, George Milne; and many loving nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be held on Monday, May 6th, at 10am at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Skaneateles with a reception to follow in the parish center. Paul will be buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Skaneateles.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to Saint Mary’s of the Lake Parish in Skaneateles; or Skaneateles Ambulance Volunteer Emergency Service Inc. (SAVES).
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.