Dennis Hanlon

Dennis Hanlon, age 83, of Schiller Park and later South Elgin, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025. He was a veteran who proudly served in the United States Army and remained active with the American Legion, embodying a spirit of dedication and service.

For many years, he worked on the railroad and retired as a welder by trade to take care of his "best buddy" - his grandson AJ. He enjoyed reading, attending sporting events for his grandson, nieces, and nephews, and was always available for taxi services.

A generous soul, he regularly donated to charity and gave freely of his time and attention. Though he was quiet by nature, his exceptional listening skills and dry sense of humor made him such a joy to be around.

He was lovingly known by many simply as “Grandpa,” a name that reflected both his love for family and the love others felt toward him. Additionally, if he wasn’t “Grandpa” to you, he was most definitely and affectionately “Uncle Buzz” or just “Buzz”.

He is survived by his daughter, Michele Stefaniak (Tony), and his grandson, AJ, along with extended family (many cousins, nieces, and nephews) and friends who will miss him deeply. He is preceded in death by his parents and his four siblings, Dale, Judy, Joe, and Tom.

A memorial Mass will be held after the holidays, with interment of his ashes and military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL, in the spring of 2026, in accordance with his wishes.

He will be remembered with love and gratitude for his kindness, quiet strength, and the warmth he brought into the lives of all who knew him.

Mass and interment details will be published on this site once they are confirmed.