Nathaniel Joseph Hanley

December 2, 1988 - April 10, 2022

Nathaniel Joseph Hanley, a beloved son, brother, and friend to many, died April 10, 2022, on Palm Sunday. ”Nathaniel”, “Nate”, “Nathan”, “Natty” was loved by many and shone goodness toward all who encountered him. In his all-too short life of 33 years, he experienced the trials and sacrifices of many lifetimes on behalf of his family and country. Natty was born in Wilmington DE, on December 2, 1988, the first child of teacher and Naval Officer parents who were college sweethearts. He was intelligent and precocious from the very beginning. To wit, by the age of 7, he somehow magically accumulated an incredible pokemon deck through tournaments, without ever spending a penny on cards. Nathaniel attended many schools, including Greenbrier Academy where his mother taught, Maison Dieu Academy, Scotland, Our Lady of Lourdes and Holy Cross Academies, and Governor’s School, Virginia, St. Thomas More Academy, Magnolia DE, Villanova University, Army Airborne School, Army Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP), and Combat EMT Certification Program. Nathaniel left Villanova University after one semester to enlist in the Army and was asked to become an Army Ranger. He was a patriot who deployed twice to Iraq between 2009 and 2010 as a special operator challenged with the most difficult missions. His incredible precociousness served him well in becoming a superior and versatile warrior. Nate was a working-man's renaissance man: a voracious reader, a foodie, experimental cook, bartender, artist who designed his own tattoos, carpenter, metal worker, machinist, roller coaster mechanic and teacher of the arts of survival, grappling and loyalty to his brothers. All these experiences contributed to him moving into a happier post-war life. Nate was a beautiful human being who fought the good fight on earth and now rests at ease with his fellow warrior brothers in God’s inestimable love. Nathaniel is survived by his parents: Joseph and Frances Hanley; his brothers: William Hanley (Danielle), and Sean Hanley (Aimie); his grandparents: Alfred and Loretta Hanley and Maureen Tigani; his nieces Teresa, Lizzy, and Josie; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who miss him dearly and treasure the time they spent with him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at 12:00 PM, at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, DE. A visitation will be held prior to the Mass, from 10:00AM to 11:00 AM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, where friends may also visit Wednesday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Interment will follow the Mass at 2:00 PM, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE. All are invited to join the Mass via livestream by visiting YouTube.com and searching St. Jude the Apostle, Lewes, DE. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required by all persons attending or participating in any part of the services taking place at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to any charity of choice dedicated to helping veterans. Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page. FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 2PM, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.