Jack Hanley Obituary

John Charles "Jack" Hanley was many things: gourmand, oenophile, expert skier, amateur pianist, football fanatic, loving and cherished son, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He was also a native Coloradan, born in Denver as the second son of Robert and Marie (Zarini) Hanley. Jack and his family, including his older brother Robert II and younger sister Sharon, lived for several years with his maternal grandparents in Louisville, CO, which reinforced his love of family and helped shape his talent for homemade Italian cooking.
Jack's education was grounded in classic Colorado institutions. He attended boarding school at the Abbey of the Holy Cross in Canon City, where he sang in the Glee Club and excelled on the gridiron. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he developed a lifelong love for the CU Buffs. After graduating from CU, Jack served briefly in the US Air Force before earning an MBA at the University of Denver.
Jack was kind, gracious, resourceful, patient, modest, and diplomatic, and known for his sharp wit and dry sense of humor. Although he was not a lawyer, Jack dedicated his 55-year career to making lawyers, paralegals, and all law firm employees better - and happier - at what they do. Jack's foray into the legal field began in 1967 when he served as Associate Dean at the University of Denver College of Law under Dean Robert Yegge, and later under Dean Daniel Hoffman. During his 18-year tenure at DU, Jack started the University's Master of Science in Legal Administration program.
Jack served as Administration Director at Holme, Roberts & Owen from 1985 to 1996, after which he assumed the same role at McKenna and Cuneo. In 2000, Jack helped form Hoffman, Reilly, Pozner & Williamson (later Reilly LLP) where he served as the firm's Executive Director for 23 years until, after facilitating Reilly's combination with Fennemore Craig in 2020, he used that opportunity to retire in 2023. His professional integrity and leadership were an inspiration to the entire legal community.
In addition to remaining as an adjunct professor and lecturer at DU for nearly 30 years, Jack was also an active member of the Association of Legal Administrators, serving as President of the Mile High Chapter for several years. He was elected a Fellow of the College of Law Practice Management in 2000. He was a member of many community and non-profit boards including the DU Sturm College of Law Alumni Council, and Disability Law Colorado. Jack was also a longtime member of the Denver Athletic Club, where he enjoyed court sports and served as president from 1991-1992.
Jack is survived by his wife Barbara Huff; his sister Sharon Martin; son Michael Hanley (John Chambers); daughter Kara Hanley (Steven Hicks); grandsons Cash and Crosby Hicks; and many loving nieces and nephews. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jack Hanley, please visit our floral store.