Rev. Martin A. Hanhauser OFM

November 10, 1915 - August 16, 2014

Loudonville-Fr. Martin A. Hanhauser, OFM, a professed Franciscan friar for 77 years and a priest for 72 years, died on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Holy Name Friary, Ringwood, N.J. He was 98 years of age and the oldest friar in Holy Name Province at the time of his death. Born Nov. 10, 1915, in St. Mary’s, Pa., to Frederick and Mary (nee Barrett), Fr. Hanhauser graduated from Strong Vincent High School, in Erie, Pa., in 1933. After attending Gannon Cathedral College in Erie from 1933 to 1935, he graduated from St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, N.Y., in 1939. He earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in math and physics from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Mo., in 1952 and 1956, respectively. Fr. Hanhauser was received into the Order at St. Bonaventure Church in Paterson, N.J., in August 1936, and professed first vows there the following year. He professed final vows in September 1940, in Washington, D.C. Following ordination to the priesthood in 1942, Fr. Hanhauser spent the next 40 years in higher education. He began teaching in the mathematics department at St. Bonaventure University in Allegany in 1943. After two years, he transferred to Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y., where he was professor and head of the mathematics department until 1982. He also served as chairman of the science division from 1963 to 1966. From 1982 to 1990, Fr. Hanhauser was stationed at various ministries throughout the province: St. Francis Chapel in Providence, R.I., Anthony House in Jersey City, N.J., Sacred Heart Parish in East Rutherford, N.J., and St. Anthony Shrine in Boston. After retiring to St. Anthony Friary in St. Petersburg, Fla., in 1943, he transferred to St. Anthony Residence in Boston in 2003. He had resided at Holy Name Friary in Ringwood since 2006. Fr. Hanhauser’s wake will be held from 9 to 10:15 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, August 21, at St. Mary of the Angels Chapel at Siena College. Provincial Minister Fr. Kevin Mullen, OFM, will preside at the Mass and Fr. William Beaudin, OFM, of Siena College, will deliver the homily. Burial will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands, N.Y. Fr. Hanhauser is survived by his nephew, Urban Behringer of Erie, Pa. May he rest in peace.