Obituary of Boniface F. Hanley

Father Boniface F. Hanley, OFM, age 85, died at the Franciscan Margate House on Friday, September 24, 2010. Father Boniface was a Franciscan Friar with Holy Name Province in New York City. Born September 27, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY, he attended St. Joseph's Seraphic Seminary, the Franciscan Minor Seminary in Calicoon, NY. Father Boniface was professed in 1946 and ordained in 1950. This past summer Father Boniface celebrated his 60th anniversary of his ordination. He received his Masters Degree from Columbia University in 1980. During his many years of ministry, Fr. Boniface served as a teacher at Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo, NY. Pioneer of the provinces Mission in Bolivia, Cleric Master at Holy Name Provinces House of Studies, Guardian of St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City, Pastor of St. Catherine's Parish in Ringwood, NJ, and St. Mary's Parish in Pompton Lakes as well as director of Christ House Retreat Center in Lafayette, NJ. For the 18 years prior to his semi-retirement, he was the much beloved Pastor of St. Joseph's Parish, West Milford, NJ. Father Boniface has been an active member of the Butler Rotary while living in West Milford, NJ. Father Boniface was the author of 15 books, the most recent published work being a biography of Father Franz Stock, a World War II German priest and prison Chaplan. Father Stock was recently granted the title of Servant of God by the Holy See which initiated the investigation into his beautification. Father Boniface's instructions to a friend and parishioner to pray to Father Stock for her brother-in-law's health is currently being investigated as a possible miracle attributed to Father Stock. Survivors include Father Bernard Splawski, OFM, his dear friend and caretaker, his brother Joseph and wife Virginia, many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and many many cherished friends. Father Boniface was predeceased by his parents Jimmy and Mary Hanley, a brother James, and a sister Evelyn. Viewing with be held Tuesday, September 30, from 3 - 5pm and 7:30 - 9pm at St. Bonaventure Church, 174 Ramsey Street, Paterson, NJ. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, September 29 at 10:00am at St. Bonaventure Church. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa, NJ. Memorials may be sent to: St. Anthony Guild 4 Jersey Street, East Rutherford, NJ 07073.