Gaylord L. Hanley, Sr.

Gaylord L. Hanley, Sr.

Gaylord L. Hanley, Sr., 81, of Beech Creek, passed away at UPMC Williamsport on July 24, 2025.

He was born May 6, 1944, the son of Paul “Dutch” and Agnes (Singer) Hanley.

Gaylord graduated from Lock Haven High School in 1963. He worked at PennDOT for many years until his retirement in 2005.

He married the love of his life, Darlene “Dolly” Losch Hanley, in 1964 and had a wonderful 61 years together.

Though he loved his family more than anything, Gaylord’s first loves were baseball and hunting.

In his younger years, he could be found on the field. He had an extensive baseball career, and was known best as a left-handed pitcher. As he got older, Gaylord played less but could always be found at the ballfield. He loved watching his sons, grandsons and great-grandsons play.

Gaylord was in the first class to be inducted into the Clinton and Centre County Baseball Hall of Fame.

He was an avid fan of the Braves and the Steelers. He loved Penn State wrestling and football.

During hunting season, Gaylord spent countless hours at camp with his family. He could be found in the woods every chance he could be, up until he couldn’t.

Along with his wife, Dolly, he is survived by his children, Veronica “Roni” Roan (Bill), of Beech Creek, Gaylord Hanley, Jr. (Paula), of Lamar, and Troy Hanley (Tammy), of Beech Creek; his brothers, Ronald “Deke” Hanley and Jerry (Vickie) Hanley; and a sister, Ellen Bechdel. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tony Beach, Toby Beach, Matt Kaschalk, Cole (Ashley) Hanley, Mikala Hanley, Frank Mills, Jr. and Breanna Hanley; great-grandchildren, Kobe, Frankie and Hunter Mills, Alayna Neff, Hayden, Vivian and Wrigley Hanley and a great-grandson on the way. He’s also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Gaylord was preceded in death by siblings, Paul “Pud” Hanley and wife Clarissa, Loretta “Sis” Young and husband Chester “Chet,” and Penelope “Penny” Hugney; and his brothers-in-law, Fred Bechdel, Ronald Losch and Ralph Losch.

His family would like to extend their gratitude to the ICU staff at UPMC Williamsport, especially Emily Shade.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Sept. 21 at the Beech Creek Fire Company Social Hall from 2 to 4 p.m. All are welcome to come and share in memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate to the Clinton and Centre County Baseball Hall of Fame, located at PO Box 344, Beech Creek, PA 16822.