Jerome F. Hanifin

Jerome Francis Hanifin, born April 6, 1930, in Binghamton, New York, lived a long and meaningful life devoted to his family, his faith, and a distinguished career in law. He passed peacefully on September 18 after a long illness.

Jerry shared his life with his beloved wife, Denise Marie (Whitney) Hanifin. Their marriage was a lifelong partnership, and together they built a family that remained at the center of Jerry’s life. Denise preceded him in death twelve years ago, but her memory remained an important and cherished part of his life.

Jerry was the proud father of Jerome Leonard (Christine) Hanifin, Teresa Marie (Todd) Donnan, and James Francis Hanifin, and a devoted grandfather to Emily (Dylan), Jessica, Benjamin (Maddi), Kaira, Anastasia, and Catya. He absolutely adored his grandchildren and was immensely proud of each and every one of them. Their accomplishments, their lives, and simply having them around brought him tremendous joy.

A man of deep faith, Jerry was a longtime member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Hillcrest, New York.

Jerry graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1952 with a degree in philosophy, where he served as Junior Class Vice President and co-captain of the varsity football team. He found great success on the field and was later honored with induction into the St. Bonaventure Sports Hall of Fame. After serving in the Korean War, he earned his law degree from Cornell Law School and established a distinguished legal career in Binghamton. Following years in private practice, he was appointed to the New York State Court of Claims in 1977, where he served until his retirement in 2000.

But those who knew Jerry best will remember so much more than his professional accomplishments.

He had a wonderfully dry sense of humor and a quiet way of making people laugh. A visit to Jerry’s home came with an almost certain expectation: you would be greeted at the door by one dog, if not two. His dogs were beloved members of the family, and their presence was simply part of what made his home feel like home.

Jerry also had a deep love of classical music. Some of his happiest moments were spent listening to music with his beloved brother, Tom. The two could spend hours together in the living room, immersed in the music, standing and pretending to conduct the orchestra. It was a simple, joyful ritual that captured something special about Jerry—the appreciation he had for music, family, companionship, and the simple pleasures of everyday life.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the VA Home in Oxford, New York, whose care and support have been an amazing source of comfort during these past few months.

Donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/?form=FUNSTKLFHDM.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 10, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Hillcrest NY.