Edmond Leo Hanrihan Jr.

Edmond Leo Hanrihan Jr., of Courtland, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at a nursing home in Martinsville, Virginia, following a prolonged illness that began in March. Although he never fully recovered, those who knew Ed will remember him not for the illness that took him from us, but for the many years of life, stories, laughter, and love that came before it.

Ed was born on October 10, 1940, in Brookline, Massachusetts, to Edmond L. Hanrihan Sr. and Ruth C. (Adams) Hanrihan.

For 37 years, Ed shared his life with his beloved partner, Jean L. Smith, who passed away in 2023. Their life together was built on love, companionship, and devotion. Ed loved Jean deeply, and their many years together were an important part of his life.

Ed was a man who loved people. He loved to talk, he loved to tell stories, and he had a way of striking up a conversation with just about anyone. He did not need to know someone well to talk with them. A stranger could become a conversation, and a conversation could become a story. Those who spent time with Ed will remember his voice, his stories, and the way he could keep a conversation going.

Ed had passions that stayed with him throughout his life. He loved airplanes and was a licensed pilot. He had a genuine fascination with aviation and the freedom of flying. He also loved railroads and model trains, interests that brought him many hours of enjoyment.

Ed worked for 15 years as an auxiliary worker at Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. He lived in Wareham, Massachusetts, for many years before moving to Courtland, Virginia, with Jean.

Ed was predeceased by his beloved Jean L. Smith; his sisters, Abigail Noonan and Ruth Creighton; and his brothers, Paul J. Hanrihan and James P. Hanrihan.

He leaves behind Jean's children, who were an important part of his life and family: Robert J. Smith Jr. and his life partner, Brenda; Kathleen M. Chaisson and her husband, Mark; and Kimberly J. Smith. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren, Mark Chaisson Jr., Dakota Chaisson, Shawn Chaisson, Cody Babin, and Kaleb Babin; and his great-grandchildren, Bentley Chaisson and Raylan Chaisson. Ed is also survived by his special nieces, Dr. Mary Beth Noonan and Anne Noonan; and nephews David Noonan, Michael Creighton, Robert Kilgo (RK) Creighton, and another nephew from the Hanrihan family, along with many extended family members and friends who shared his life.

Ed's life was filled with the things he loved—airplanes, railroads, model trains, stories, and, above all, people. He was someone who could talk to almost anyone, and he rarely seemed to run out of something to say. His stories, his conversations, and his unmistakable personality are the memories those who knew him can carry forward.

There are some people whose absence is felt in the quiet moments—in the absence of a familiar voice, an unexpected conversation, or another story that you've heard before but would gladly hear again.

Ed will be missed by those who shared those moments with him. May he be remembered when an airplane passes overhead, when a train rolls by, or when someone begins telling a story and takes just a little longer than necessary to finish it.

Rest peacefully, Ed. You are loved, and you will be missed. A private family service will be held.

McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com