Hanlon remembered fondly

On Nov. 26, Mr. Willard “Bill” Hanlon, a former teacher at Milton High School, died at the age of 64 in Williamsport.

Principal Mr. Andrew Rantz said Mr. Hanlon began working for the district in August 2004, and officially retired this January. Mr. Hanlon taught American Government and other social studies classes, said Mr. Rantz.

Mr. Hanlon led the Scholastic Scrimmage team, and was especially proud of their 2015 victory over Lewisburg, Mr. Rantz said. Mr. Hanlon always made sure to provide out of classroom opportunities by going to the Legislative Breakfasts and field trips, he added.

Mr. Hanlon loved the students at Milton and was “passionate about inspiring learners,” said Mr. Rantz. “He had such a dry sense of humor, and could always brighten my day. He has been missed since he left, and will be forever missed since he passed.”

History teacher Ms. Stacey Behnert said she met Mr. Hanlon when he started teaching at Milton. She said her favorite thing about Mr. Hanlon was “when kids were being a pain in the butt, he would tell them they were being a pain in the butt.” She added that his students knew he cared about them but that he would also call them out if they were bad.

According to the obituary, which appeared on Dec. 4 in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Mr. Hanlon left behind three children, four grandchildren and a wife of 26 years. It also said that he loved reading and history, mainly the Civil War.

A memorial will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at Grenoble Funeral Home, 121 S. Main St. in Muncy; the memorial is open to the public.

“He was also passionate about sharing his wealth of knowledge with his students, especially through historical field trips,” according to the obituary.