CASCO — Charles F. Hanley, 89, of Casco, known to everyone as “Charlie,” peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice in Scarborough. Charlie was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., one of 11 siblings.

After graduating from public school, he worked in the construction field as a mechanic’s helper. In Nov. 1942, Charlie enlisted in the Army and chose to serve in the cavalry, due to his love of horses. At cavalry training camp in Fort Devens, Mass., to his dismay he found his beloved horses had been replaced by tanks. However, he adapted, and eventually rose to the rank of staff sergeant in the 19th Recon Squadron. The unit was briefly stationed in Saco. Little did Charlie know that he would return to Maine in the distant future.

Sergeant Hanley’s unit was assigned to Patton’s Third Army in March 1945, serving in the Central Europe and Rhineland campaigns. He received a Bronze Star for his service. After the war, Charlie met his beloved wife, Lillian, to whom he was happily married for 40 loving years. Charlie was also an employee of the Consolidated Edison company for 35 years. After his retirement and Lillian’s passing in 1988, Charlie pulled up stakes and moved to Maine, establishing his new home in Casco. He became a treasured friend to Helen Cassidy, Teresa Burgess, Debbie and Gary Cassidy, and was quickly adopted into their extended family.

Charlie spent the next 24 years living on Sebago Lake, his oft-described “personal Shangri-la,” enjoying the seasons, playing with his sailboat, and otherwise reveling in the serenity of the area. Charlie’s vices included his cigars, Little Miss Debbie snacks, and occasional Manhattans. He loved animals, often taking Terry’s dogs for long walks, and tending to his cat, Midnight. He enjoyed the family get-togethers at the cottage each weekend, where his presence will be sorely missed at those events. Charlie was well-known and loved  among the neighbors of the Kettle Cove community

Charlie is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Chuck and Donna Hanley, and Kevin and Eileen Hanley. He is also survived by his “baby” brother, John Michael and his wife Joanne Hanley. His adored granddaughter, Torrance and his beloved nephew, Christopher, were both the light of his life. A celebration of his life will be held in the near future, at the lake he loved. To share memories and condolences with the family, please go to www.athutchins.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.