May 8, 2020 Press Release

John Costa, ATU International Vice President: ‘I am deeply saddened to hear about the untimely death of my dear friend and our ATU International President Larry Hanley, said John Costa, ATU International Vice President.

The ATU members of New Jersey, across the entire United States and Canada are in mourning and more importantly the Hanley family have lost a beloved patriarch.

My sympathies go out to his wife, Thelma, his daughter Monica and his son Lawrence Jr. Larry served his country with pride when it came to the labor movement and worker’s rights. He was a champion for all people and believed that everyone should have the chance to realize their fullest potential.

Larry showed what is possible for our Union and within each one of us – if we believe, dream, fight and work hard together.

I am committed to honoring Larry’s legacy.  Let us continue each day to be inspired by his lifelong leadership.

Rest easy my friend, my mentor, our leader. You will be missed.

I will provide arrangements as soon as they become available.’

The Hanley family released the following statement:

It is with greatest sorrow to share with you that our dear husband, father and brother, Lawrence J. Hanley, passed away on May 7, 2019.  He devoted his life to the union movement and to the Amalgamated Transit Union. His fondest wish for the union now would be to continue your everyday efforts for the members, because they were always the ones on his mind. He shared his love of defending the defenseless with you in the hopes that the ATU would be a shining beacon in the labor movement, the country, and the world. We wish to thank you for all of your hard work in your careers furthering these goals and wish you success as you continue in furtherance of them. As we go forward, the men and women of the ATU, and the labor movement will always be in our hearts. We will never forget the joy and privilege he felt in his over 40 year career, fighting for the people who needed a champion. We are so proud of everything the ATU has done and will do for the working women and men of this country. It was an honor.

“Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living.”
– Mary G. Harris “Mother” Jones (1837-1930)

Statement from International Executive Vice President Javier Perez on passing of International President Larry Hanley

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that our beloved International President Larry Hanley passed away suddenly yesterday. Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to his family at this very difficult time. This is an unfathomable and tragic loss for the ATU and the entire labor movement. As further details are available additional information will be provided.

In solidarity,
Javier Perez
International Executive Vice President