Donald Hansley

Donald L. Hansley
January 27, 1932 – March 2, 2013

Donald passed peacefully at home in Islamorada after a valiant yearlong struggle with pancreatic cancer. His loving wife and companion, Mary, was by his side.
Don was born in Washington, D.C. moved to Miami in the 40’s with his Mother and Grandmother and always considered himself a Miamian. He graduated from Miami Edison High and enlisted in the Air Force. He served in Korea during the conflict and returned to attend the University of Florida. In the “right place at the right time” he was recruited by Merrill Lynch where he remained for 37 years, albeit a brief stint as Manager for Walston & Co. He loved what he did and looked forward to every day. Don was a “people person” as evidenced by the great number of friendships he has maintained over the years, some going back 70 years. He had a generous and loving spirit and accepted people as they were. Following his retirement, Don purchased Bryson’s Irish Pub in Virginia Gardens. Don was an Equity Member of the Miami Beach Rod and Reel Club, The Islamorada Fishing Club, and Beech Mountain Club in North Carolina.
Don had a lifelong love affair with the Keys, fishing on the patches for yellowtail and in the backcountry for grunts. Many weekends were spent with friends for “grits and grunts” with Don’s special marinade.
In addition to Islamorada, he and Mary loved their summer retreat on Beech Mountain where they played golf and enjoyed the best of both worlds. Their extensive travels took them to many fantastic places around the world. The highlight for Don was an audience with Pope John Paul in Rome in 1990.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his much loved son, Don Jr. (Rachel); daughter, Lynnellen Lyon (Brad); sister, Connie Jackson (Steve); nieces, Wendy and Laurie, and their families, and former wife, Mildred Hubbard. “Big D” was adored by his acquired family with his marriage to Mary, daughters: Wendy, Julie, and Shay; Grandchildren: Jason, Jessica, Megan, Joe, Christopher, and Michael; Great-Granddaughter, Luna; Mother-in-law, Mary Leonard; Sister-in-law, Linda Fowler (Steve); and nephew, Chris (Lara) and their family.
A Memorial service will be held at St. James the Fisherman, Mile Marker 87.5, Islamorada, on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 2:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at Coral Harbour Club, 88181 Old Highway, Islamorada.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Mariner’s Hospital Foundation, Oncology Services, Attn: Wendy Gentes, 91500 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL, 33070.

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