William J. Hanlon, 85, of Colleyville, Texas, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at his summer residence in Narragansett, Rhode Island with his family by his side. He was happily married to Eleanor (Carr) Hanlon for sixty years.

He was born in New Rochelle, New York on February 9, 1936, the son of the late William J. and Polly (Cowan) Hanlon and was a graduate of Stepinac High School in 1953, Catholic University in 1957, Harvard Law School in 1960 and Harvard Business School in 1962.

Bill spent his professional career at Exxon as tax counsel. His working life spanned forty years in New York, NY and Irving, Texas. He was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society and the New York and Texas Bars.

Bill was one of the great ones - his spirit, charisma and love of life will be sorely missed. He was devoted to family, known for his sage advice, loving guidance, dry rapier wit, and the respect and kindness he showed to others. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with his family and friends. He was an avid reader, and enjoyed tennis, boating, and professional football. He was a long time member of Orienta Beach Club in Mamaroneck, NY, the Harvard Club of NYC, the Crescent Club in Dallas, and the Sports Club of Irving, TX.

He is survived by his wife Eleanor Hanlon of Colleyville, Texas, two sons and daughters-in-law, William and Donna Hanlon of Hingham, MA and Arthur and Eileen Hanlon of Rye, NY, a daughter and son-in-law, Ellie and Chris Borowsky of White Plains, NY, and his grandchildren, Elizabeth, William “Jay”, Robert, Kyle, Ryan, Kelly and Brendan.

A service will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11:30 AM at St. Mary’ Cemetery, 266 North St., Salem/Peabody line. Relatives and friends are invited. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Boys Town (www.boystown.org), Dana Farber (www.dana-farber.org), or the charity of your choice in his memory. A separate mass and celebration of his life will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows parish in White Plains, NY in the near future