Paul T. Hannon

Paul Thomas Hannon, 90, of Salisbury, NC formerly of Westvale, passed away peacefully following a short illness on Friday, October 7th. Born in Parsons, PA to Thomas and Barbara Hannon, he graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1950. He entered into service in the United States Navy during the Korean War and was stationed in Bainbridge, MD. He was immensely proud of his military service and wore his U.S. Navy Korean War hat everywhere he went. After his honorable discharge as Petty Officer Third Class, he learned the trade of electrician. Thanks to his brother-in-law, he found a job in Syracuse as a high voltage electrician for General Electric and moved there with his family in 1961. Outside of his day job, he took on a number of "moonlighting" electrical projects, both residential and commercial, for people who admired his skills and talents. He later went on to work at the new Federal Building in Syracuse and later at the Seneca Army Depot as an electrician until retiring in 1994. Paul was an aviation buff from an early age, delighting in making model airplanes with dreams of becoming a pilot. He first learned to fly on the GI Bill at Cherry Ridge Airport in Honesdale, PA. He earned his private pilot’s license and went on to fly for 42 years. His first plane was an Ercoupe that he kept at Marcellus Airport. He later flew a Cessna 150 club plane until he purchased his Piper Warrior. Central NY winters weren’t conducive to flying so after retirement, he built a hangar home at the Gold Hill Airpark in North Carolina. There, he met many pilot friends and flew until he was in his 80’s. He couldn’t help gazing up at the sky every time he heard a plane pass over and knew instinctively the make and model of every one. In addition to airplanes, he loved old cars and renovated a 1955 Dodge Royal Lancer as well as a 1992 Mercury Cougar and enjoyed showing them at classic car shows. He loved woodworking and puttering in “Pop Pop’s Workshop”. Incredibly intelligent, he enjoyed learning and reading, particularly about U.S. military history, and had an excellent memory for iconic battles. He was a member of AOPA, EAA and the Young Eagle’s Program where he volunteered his time exposing young people to the wonder of flight. He was a long time member of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Westvale and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Salisbury, NC. Paul was an enthusiastic story-teller and relished in having the Irish “gift of gab.” He delighted friends and family with his jokes and stories, especially over a good old fashioned breakfast and a cup of coffee. He truly loved eating at restaurants including Doug’s Fish Fry, Heid’s Hotdogs, Breakfastime and Johnny’s Barbeque in Rockwell, NC where he got to know every single worker personally. He was a fan of classic movies, programs like “The Soprano’s” and “Gunsmoke” and the Evening News with David Muir. He also enjoyed listening to music including Bossa Nova, Frank Sinatra and Jackie Gleason. He was a huge dog-lover and was especially fond of his Shetland Sheepdog, “Duffy”. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 23 years, Lucille (Cebrick) in 1983. He is survived by his four children; Kevin (Christine) Hannon of Houston, TX, Camille Hannon of Baldwinsville, Lt. Colonel Greg (Nancy) Hannon, USAF Retired of Medford, NJ, and Sharon (Brian) Bush of Camillus; eleven grandchildren Craig, Christopher and Kyle Hannon, Nicole (Michael Cannizzaro) Walker and Billy (Larissa) Walker, Ashley (Micah) Renaud, Jessica (Dan) Truran and John (AnneMarie) Hannon, and Jeffrey, Andrew and Amanda Bush; four great-grandchildren Ethan and Ellie Walker, Lorelai Renaud and Simon Hannon; sister Carol (Carmen) Romeo of Midlothian, VA and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many wonderful friends from New York, North Carolina and beyond. The family would like to thank the staff of Johnny’s Barbeque for their many years of companionship, the dear friends who looked after him in North Carolina and the nurses and staff of the KB unit at St. Camillus for their nurturing care. Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 14th from 4 to 6:30 pm at B.L. Bush & Sons Funeral Home, 10 Genesee Street, Camillus, NY 13031. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 15th at 9:30 am at St. Charles of Borromeo Church, 417 S. Orchard Rd, Syracuse followed by a burial with military honors at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Dewitt. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Helping Hounds Dog Rescue, 7268 Caswell Ave., N. Syracuse, NY, 13212 or online at https://www.helpinghoundsdogrescue.org/donate The family also asks that you help preserve Paul’s memory by appreciating the amazement and beauty of flight. And if you see someone wearing a Veterans’ hat, lend them a hand if they need one and always thank them for their service. "He did the best he could with what he had." PTH Please sign the Guest Book or Share a Memory at www.BLBUSH.com

Paul T. Hannon

September 20, 1932 - October 7, 2022