Ronald Edward Hanna Sr., 89, of James Island, SC, retired public school Principal and husband of Charlotte Rose Irwin Hanna, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Saturday, January 2, 2021, with his wife holding his hand. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Hanna, Sr. are invited to attend his Funeral Service at 10:00 AM Saturday, January 9, 2021, at the Graveside, Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM Friday at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy., Charleston. Online Condolences may be offered at www.Charlestonfunerals.com. Ron was born on July 14, 1931, in New Kensington, Pennsylvania and raised by his grandmother, Martha Hanna. He graduated from New Kensington High School and attended Pennsylvania Military Preparatory College before attending The Citadel. Ron graduated from The Citadel in 1956 and was a member of the basketball team. After his sophomore year at The Citadel, he was inducted into the US Army. Ron was stationed at Camp Pickett, Virginia and then Fort Sam Houston, Texas, before receiving an early release to return to The Citadel to complete his BS in Physical Education. Ron also received a Master of Arts from Appalachian State University. He married the love of his life, Charlotte Irwin, on June 13, 1953. They shared 67 amazing years together and were blessed with 5 children, “Mr. Hanna” or “Coach Hanna” as he was affectionately known by his students, parents and colleagues was a longtime educator and coach in the Charleston area. He valued the importance of being a positive influence on young people and made that his life’s purpose. Ron began his career in 1956 at Porter Military Academy teaching fifth/sixth grade and assisting in the athletic and military programs. He was the Basketball Coach for Bishop England High School in 1963 when they won their one and only Boys State Championship Title. He was an Assistant Principal at James Island High School for 2 years before becoming the Principal at Stiles Point Elementary School. He remained at Stiles Point Elementary School for 28 years until his retirement from the Charleston County School District. It was commonplace to see Mr. Hanna greeting his students by opening their car doors as they were dropped off at school. His love of education and enthusiasm for empowering his teachers and students to be their best was contagious. Mr. Hanna possessed that unique characteristic of making you believe that you could achieve anything. Even after retirement, Mr. Hanna continued his involvement in the school system assisting with the After School Program. In addition, he worked and volunteered at the James Island YMCA with the youth and adult recreational programs. He was a member of Nativity Catholic Church. He loved basketball and bowling and was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his later years, he loved traveling with Charlotte and spending time with his children and grandchildren. His amazing life and the impact it made on many will forever be cherished by his children: Ron Jr. (Kay) Hanna, William Hanna (deceased), Martha (Kevin) Burns, Lori (Rick) Campbell and Lillie (Peter) Aquino; sisters-in-law: Delores Wrenn and Shirley Hanlon; grandchildren: Ron Hanna III (Rachelle), Eric, Ryan & Ross Burns, Morgan & Hanna Campbell and Taylor, Kaitlyn & Sawyer Aquino and great-grandchildren: Kelsey & Kayley Burns and Liam Burns and numerous devoted nieces, nephews and cousins. Ron was preceded in death by his grandmother, Martha Hanna and his son, William John Hanna. Ron was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and mentor and will forever remain in our hearts. In lieu of flowers and to continue “Mr. Hanna’s” love of education and athletics, memorial gifts may be made to: The Citadel Brigadier Fund at The Citadel Foundation, In honor of Ron Hanna ’56, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC 29409 or online at https://foundation.citadel.edu/Hanna or memorial gifts can be made to: Charleston County School District Donation for Stiles Point Elementary, mailing address: Charleston County School District, ATTN: Diana Bergdorf, 399 Bridgeview Drive, Charleston, South Carolina 29405. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER, INC. 843-766-1365.
Posted in: Post and Courier
Posted on: 2021-01-05
Link to original obituary: https://obits.postandcourier.com/us/obituaries/charleston/name/ronald-hanna-obituary?pid=197427995