LOUDONVILLE — Joseph Eugene “Gene” Hanley was a father and grandfather who worked as an educator after serving in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive.

He died peacefully on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston, New York, with his family by his side. He was 81.

He was born on Nov. 8, 1941 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy to his late parents, Eugene Thomas and Mary Rose (née Grobecker) Hanley of Latham.

“Gene attended Latham School from kindergarten to fourth grade then transferred to St. Patrick’s School in Watervliet,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He graduated from La Salle Institute in Troy and then went on to obtain a bachelor of arts degree in history in 1964 from Siena College. Gene received his master of science degree in education from the University at Albany.

“Gene volunteered for a Catholic Peace Corps teaching job in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and taught elementary school for a year. He returned to Latham in 1965 and taught at St. Teresa’s School.

“Gene then enlisted in the Army and served as a private at Fort Dix. After basic training, he was sent to Officer Training School and was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

“He married Andrea while on leave from the Army on July 1, 1967 at St. Patrick’s Church in Albany. Gene served in Vietnam as a lieutenant in the First Cavalry Division in the Mekong Delta during the time of the Tet Offensive.

“In 1968, Gene returned stateside to help care for their son Kevin who was born with medical needs. While stationed in Fort Hamilton, New York, he became a Notification Officer in New York City.

“After leaving service, he worked as a teacher in the South Colonie School District and later as an administrator. Gene spent his time between Loudonville, New York, and Brewster, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod.

“After retiring from education, Gene began a small business, working at flea markets selling collectibles. He loved his family; his dog, Chewie; and sports.”

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Joseph Eugene “Gene” Hanley is survived by four children, Daniel (Tami), Jason (Jill), Gregory, and Kaitlin (Timothy); his five siblings, Mary Ellen Hanley, Thomas (Jane) Hanley, John (Jane) Hanley, Maureen Hanley-Ehmann, Christopher (Lynn) Hanley; and six grandchildren, Liam, Kiernan, Taryn, Ashlyn, Emma, and Sara Hanley.

His beloved wife of 52 years, Mary Andrea (née Volk) Hanley, died before him, as did his first-born son, Kevin Joseph Hanley; and his two sisters, Margaret Sweeney and Patricia Capuano.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 30, from 4 to 8 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals at 181 Troy Schenectady Rd. in Watervliet.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Pius X in Loudonville on Wednesday, May 31, at 10 a.m. Interment will be held in the future at Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals by visiting secure.aspca.org.