Felton, DE — Jake Patrick Hanley, 38, of Felton, Del., passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, following a sudden and rapidly-progressing illness. He was deeply loved by his family and many friends.
Jake had a gift for making people feel special. Even the way he said your name would make you feel welcomed and loved. Kind, generous, and caring, he brought warmth and fun to those around him. He worked hard, gave freely of himself, and was devoted to the people he loved.
Family meant everything to Jake. He cherished family traditions and found his greatest happiness in being a devoted husband and father. His wife, Rita, was the love of his life and his children were his pride and joy. Jake believed in the importance of love, faith, kindness and caring for others. He lived these values everyday through his generosity, compassion, and devotion to his family.
Following in his father’s footsteps as a blacksmith, Jake took great pride and care in his work. He enjoyed chopping wood, cutting grass, and anything involving a tractor. He loved horses, watching the races, and his beloved dog, Layla. Jake loved college football, especially cheering on the the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He was also a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Flyers and the New Zealand All Blacks.
Jake was a member of the American Farrier’s Association, United States Trotting Association, and the VFW Auxiliary. He and his family were also members of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Milford, Del.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Peter K. Hanley and Bobby Reynolds, and his grandmother, Kathleen Reynolds.
Jake is lovingly remembered by his wife, Rita; his children, Danielle and Devin, and his expected daughter, Reagan; his parents, Shawn and Debbie Hanley; his sisters, Erica and her partner, Wayne Whitson Jr., who was also Jake’s lifelong friend, and Kate Hanley; his nephew, Keegen Davis; his in-laws, James and Jane Pippin; his sister-in-law, Pamela Pippin; his brother-in-law, Jacob, and his wife, Janet; and his grandmother, Shirley Hanley.
He also leaves behind his uncles, with whom he shared especially close bonds: Francis Hanley; Matt Hanley; Peter Hanley II and his wife, Dawn; Fr. Chris Hanley; and Paul Hanley. He is also lovingly remembered by his aunts, Steph Hanley and Andrea Caswell and her husband, Paul; and his cherished cousins, Francis Hanley II, Emily Gildart, Heidi Harrison, Peter and Sara Bouffard, Adam and Matthew Hanley, Samantha O’Neal, and Drew Hanley.
Though his passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness, Jake’s family and friends will forever cherish his wonderful spirit, his generous heart, and the memories of their time together. Everyone loved being with Jake. He will be missed beyond words and loved always.
Service Arrangements
A visitation will be held at Pippin Funeral Home in Wyoming, Del., on Friday, Oct. 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church in Dover, Del., on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m., with a repast to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations to benefit Jake’s children may be made to their trust funds through Venmo at @Rita-Pippin-3 or by personal check, payable to Rita Hanley.