John G. Hanney Memorial Alzheimer’s Association Fundraiser
November 27, 1936 – April 24, 2024

Imagine the shock of hearing the diagnostic words – ‘you have Alzheimer’s’ – I can only pray those are words you never hear – John and I heard those horrible words some 4 years ago. Like millions of other families our first words were – ‘what do we do’! Like millions of other families, we were faced with a lacking response.

There are no words to express fully the sorrow I feel sharing the passing of my love to be with his Lord. We were blessed, he was blessed with a long, marvelous life filled with rich memories. How does one begin to memorialize 47 years spent with the most amazing human being on earth. The gifts of love and sharing he gave me through the years are too abundant to describe. Those who knew us well, know how John touched so many lives, and was always there when someone reached out for help. He honored and respected his God and tried every day to help save a life in some way. Yes, my love, you were the man the dogs thought you were. Were we grateful enough? I think not. Who luvs ya baby – forever!

John Gregory Hanney, 87 a resident of Cape Coral, FL for the past 24 years, formerly of Pocono Pines, PA, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Cape Coral. He was born November 27, 1936 in Chicago, IL to Gerald and John Elizabeth Hanney, now deceased. John was of a member of St. Katharine Drexel Roman Catholic Church in Cape Coral, FL. He proudly served in the U S Army during the Korean War. John was a successful real estate broker and developer both in the Pocono Mountains and in Cape Coral Florida. He gave back to his community through his commitment to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and to the Alzheimer’s Association Walk. Never did he shy away from an adventure – he loved our world travels and found a Catholic Church and a friend of Bill W. anywhere in the world we were. He is survived by me - his loving wife who he shared life with for 47 years; scores of critters through the years but currently Princess Pearl, Marley, and Spencer Tracey, all rescues that he adored as well as many loving friends of Bill W. who he enjoyed life with for 34 years.

John suffered the indignities of Alzheimer’s for the last year relentlessly, and as a caregiver I suffered right there with him. He was aware enough to know what was happening as he knew he was declining. The disease affected everything – his mind, his body, his spirit. When he could, he would apologize for being so hard to take care of – he would wonder when and how he woke up so stupid. The disease also affected his physical well-being – he was in pain often - this vital strong man could barely walk – he had given up driving – something he loved – and he slept more and more. It became difficult for him to eat and to maintain control of physical functions – slowly Alzheimer’s robbed him of all that was important to him – bit by bit it stole his life. Towards the end he said he didn’t know how he could keep living this way and we prayed that God wouldn’t let him keep suffering.

As his caregiver I was depressed, filled with sorrow, exhausted and often just lost, frustrated, angry and every other emotion on the spectrum. He and I had raised funds for the Alzheimer’s Association for years to stop this dreaded disease – never imagining that it would become our fate as well – along with millions of others worldwide. As a world we are woefully unprepared to deal with Alzheimer’s – we desperately need a cure but we need more support as our population ages – cost effective – emphathetic support.

This year I am hosting the FINAL Hanney fundraiser to honor John’s memory and his amazing fight. Please give what you can – dig deep – please help save a life and help get this under control. There are no words strong enough to express the love and pain I feel when I reflect on John’s fight – please help prevent another family from going through this. Unlimited Priorities – for the last time before we close in December - will match the first $2,500 that comes in and Iris and the Pups will match the second $2,500 that comes in. This will be our grand finale as we scatter his ashes in our waterways and pray, pray, pray for a cure – please help me honor his memory – nothing is too small, but this year I will say without shame – more is better!!!

Our love, Iris and the Pups