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Thomas J. Hannon 1947-2025

McDONALD — Thomas John Michael Hannon, 78, went home to the Lord on Thursday, May 29, 2025 — Ascension Thursday — surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home.

Thomas was born May 5, 1947, in Youngstown, the son of the late Robert J. Hannon Sr. and Agnes Donohue Hannon. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a great friend to so many people.

He married the love of his life, Dorothy Reese, on Dec. 17, 1966, and together they raised four daughters. Of all his titles, “Papa” was his favorite, lovingly bestowed on him by his 12 grandchildren. His family was his world, but the inspiration of God guided him to try, with his utmost wisdom, to better the lives of those around him.

Inspired by President John F. Kennedy, Tom committed himself to public service and to the country he loved. He took great pride in his hometown, often saying the Village of McDonald raised him.

He was a student at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School through the eighth grade before attending McDonald High School, where he was thrilled to have the same days off as his friends and could spend time with them during school breaks and holidays. He was a great all-around athlete, but his passion was basketball. He received many awards and honors while playing for McDonald High School and earned a scholarship to the University of Maryland. However, he soon realized he missed his hometown too much to stay away.

Tom began his six decades of public service to the Village of McDonald when he became the recreational director in 1966. In that capacity, he established the girls’ recreational softball league. He briefly worked at McDonald Steel and City Loan in Warren before finding his true calling as a financial planner.

He credited his mentor, Warren C. Gregory, a devout Catholic, with changing his life and guiding him to becoming a successful businessman and public servant. Tom was meticulous about being organized, disciplined and prepared, and had a burning desire to be the best at everything he did.

Tom founded Hannon & Associates Financial Services office in Austintown and managed offices in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and five additional offices in Ohio since 1978. His office was in the top 50 nationwide for many years. He earned numerous financial designations, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for more than 40 years, and was securities licensed in 38 states. He was a highly regarded Managing Executive, a mentor to many financial advisers, and was revered by many in the financial industry. He treated his clients as family, they trusted him implicitly, and he was willing to help anyone. The number of people he came to know, advise and mentor is incalculable.

He often said, “it’s not what you gather, it’s what you scatter” and he lived that mantra in every aspect of his life, including being a public servant.

Tom served in elected office on McDonald Village Council and as mayor from 1973 to 1998. He led the design and construction of the McDonald baseball complex and concession stand, and spearheaded the refurbishment of Woodland Park, including the Copham Memorial Gazebo. One of his most innovative accomplishments was the creation of the Woodland Park Retirement Complex in the heart of the village, providing housing for many retirees.

During his time as mayor, he served several years on the executive financial committee for EDATA, the clearinghouse for all Issue 2 funding. He also served on three Trumbull County committees: as chairman of the Local Government Funding Committee, and as a member of both the Sales Tax Committee and the 911 Formulation Committee.

Never one to waste a moment, Tom’s desire to help the village — and to “leave the pile higher” — led him back into public service with the McDonald Board of Education. He stepped up to fill a vacant seat and was later elected in 2015. He helped the district develop a solid financial plan and shared his visionary leadership. Known as the “taskmaster,” he spearheaded the development of the new athletic complex now enjoyed by students, athletes and fans.

Tom could not hide in a crowd, whether he was wearing a McDonald Blue Devils T-shirt or a business suit. He was seen and heard in local gymnasiums, stadiums, ball fields, tennis courts, auditoriums, boardrooms and council chambers, supporting not only his family, but other kids in the school district.

Tom always said his family was his greatest wealth. He loved spending time with them, and they will miss Sunday brunches, Pizza Fridays, and holiday and birthday celebrations with him. He thanked God for his blessings every day.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his daughters, Stacy (Scott) Foster, Lori (Greg) Costantino, Jacqueline (Jeffrey) Rasile and Kellie (Bill) Bundy; his grandchildren, Jacob (Riqui) Foster, Kellsie (Tyler) Hanna, Bethany, Zachary and Maria Rasile, Sophia, Gregory, Gianna and Thomas Hannon Costantino, and Grace, Emma and William Bundy; a great-grandson, Jerrett Thomas Foster; and another great-grandchild on the way.

He is also survived by four siblings, Joanne Radabaugh and Kathleen Hannon, both of McDonald, Jane Tock of Cleveland and Jean McBride of Boardman.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by a sister, Evelyn Hannon, and a brother, Rev. Robert J. Hannon Jr.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 222 S. State St., Girard.

Funeral services will begin at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the funeral home and continue with a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Rose Church, 48 E. Main St., Girard.

A committal service will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Austintown.

In lieu of flowers, Tom’s family suggests memorial contributions be made to your favorite charity in Tom’s memory.

Due to allergies, the family kindly requests that guests refrain from wearing perfume, cologne or other fragrances during calling hours and services.

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