Thomas F. Hanlon

Thomas Francis Hanlon, 76, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. He was born on May 26, 1948, in Quincy, Massachusetts, to the late William and Mary Hanlon, the youngest of their six children.

Growing up in the retail industry, Tom spent summers working alongside his father in his various corset shops on Massachusetts’ South Shore. Inspired by his father, Tom developed a love for entrepreneurship, relationships, and retail at a young age.

A determined and ambitious man, Tom graduated from the Burdett College of Business in downtown Boston. Upon graduation, he walked across the street and instantly landed his first job in retail. It was during his years in the industry, while working at Geishecker’s in Dedham, MA, that his life changed forever. There, he met the love of his life, Mary Lou. When Tom proposed to Mary Lou, she jokingly replied, “I’d love to marry you, Tom, but I’m headed to Florida.” Ever resourceful and never one to shy away from a challenge, Tom replied, “I have no particular love for the cold.” They married in the summer of 1976 and soon embarked on their journey south to Florida.

On Valentine’s Day in 1983, with Mary Lou’s unwavering support, Tom opened Hanlon’s Men’s Store in front of her real estate office. Over the past 41 years, the store has become a cornerstone of the Vero Beach community and a lasting testament to Tom’s entrepreneurial spirit. His legacy will continue through his grandson, Tyler Simpson.

To know Tom was to love him. Whether sharing a love for sports (Go Pats!), exchanging lighthearted banter, recounting an amusing anecdote, or delivering a perfectly timed pun, Tom befriended everyone he met. Selfless and kind, he was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. A devoted family man, Tom cherished traditions, prioritized his loved ones, and found joy in keeping the magic alive for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never missed a chance to cheer his family on, whether on the sidelines or in their lives.

Tom’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His warmth, humor, and generosity leave a void that words cannot express.

Tom is survived by his sister Patricia and her husband, Dean Souke, of Mashpee, MA; his brother John and his wife, Alice Hanlon, of Medway, MA; and his sister Mary Jo Jones, wife of the late Richard Jones, of Cheshire, CT. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Bob Finneran of Boston, MA; Mimi Finneran of Vero Beach, FL; and Gail Finneran of Jacksonville, FL.

Tom leaves behind his grandson Tyler and his wife, Ashley Simpson, along with great-granddaughters Elora and Ophelia Simpson of Vero Beach, FL. He is also survived by his granddaughter Mimi and her husband, Collins Lee, of Jacksonville, FL, as well as granddaughters Mary Finneran and Katie Finneran of Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Hanlon, and his brothers Peter Hanlon and William Hanlon.

A Catholic funeral mass will be held on Monday, February 3rd, at 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2506 Highway A1A, Vero Beach, FL.

In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in memory of Tom Hanlon.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory,  Vero Beach.