John Jack Francis Hannigan

John “Jack” Francis Hannigan, or Baby Hannigan as his birth certificate indicates, was born March 27th, 1918 to Francis “Frank” Hannigan and Elizabeth “Elsie” Sternweiss Hannigan in New York City. He attended parochial schools throughout his life, obtaining a college and law degree from St John’s University in New York. Through his beloved sister Myrtle, he met the love of his life, Marion Josephine Ronayne, as well as fell in love with her large and caring Irish family. They were married on May 2, 1942 at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama – thus beginning a union that lasted 67 years.

Jack was a navigator and lawyer in the Army Air Corps, serving during World War II in the European Theater of Operations. As part of the 397th Bomb Group (“The Bridge Busters”), he flew 70 combat missions in a B26 “Marauder”, including three over Normandy Beach on D Day. He earned a Purple Heart during this time of service. In 1948 his commission, as a JAG officer, was transferred to the newly created US Air Force.

Jack and his wife’s military service spanned 30 years living in Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Arizona, Germany, Virginia, the Philippine Islands, Massachusetts, Maryland and Texas. Throughout his service, he was awarded many medals of commendation including the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Army Commendation Ribbon. Upon retirement, Col. John F Hannigan received the Distinguished Service Medal in 1971 at Randolph Air Force Base. The Hannigans retired to Allen, Texas, and were active parishioners at St Jude’s Catholic Church. He volunteered his legal services (and his wife’s typing) to church members.

Jack and Marion raised a large (6 kids) Irish Catholic family. While the family is spread across the country, the love that Jack and Marion held for them is a bond that will forever unite the Hannigan clan. Jack is survived by his children – John F Hannigan, Jr Col USAF Ret of Colorado; Mary Gadow of Arizona; Barbara Clark of Massachusetts; Joan Johnston of Massachusetts; Dr Jim Hannigan of Austin Texas and Kathy Havel of Dallas Texas; fourteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for his quick wit, practical jokes, skill with crossword puzzles, love of sports (especially golf), and his “yes, dears” to his wife Marion.

At a future date, a memorial service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery to honor his and his wife’s life of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to either of the following would be appreciated – St Jude Catholic Church (1515 N. Greenville Avenue, Allen, Texas 75002) or Air Force Aid Society (National Hdqtrs, 241 18th Street Ste 202, Arlington, VA 22202)