On Monday, April 4th, 2022, Emmet Joseph Hanick, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 97.
Emmet was born on January 22, 1925. He was a graduate of McBride High School class of 1943. Having enough credits to complete his senior year in December of 1942, Emmet left school early and enlisted in the Navy to serve his country in WWII.
After the war, Emmet took advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled in St. Louis University and earned two degrees from St. Louis University; a chemistry degree in 1951 and later, his Masters in Physics.
After college, he worked for the St. Louis Police Department in the crime laboratory. In an early version of networking, his mother heard about a teaching opportunity at St. Louis University High School. Emmet, a lifelong student and lover of all things related to education, immediately applied and was hired to teach Math. Thus began a teaching and coaching career at SLUH that spanned 39 years.
Emmet met the love of his life Mae Ponciroli in the lobby of the Fox Theater while both were on a date with other people. They were married in April of 1956 and began a happy and devoted life with each other and their three daughters, extended family, neighbors and friends.
Professionally, Emmet described himself as a teacher, first and foremost. Educating and guiding his students to be ‘men for others’ was his vocation. Putting others ahead of himself, he was still intensely competitive on not only the basketball court but also at poker, golf, and corn hole.
Leading by example with confidence and keen intellect was a powerful combination. He was always there for others, giving his time, talent and service in an unaffected way, often with a quick smile, Irish wit and with his generous spirit.
Emmet was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Margaret Hanick, eight siblings; John, Rob, Sister Mary Augustine, Margaret Dimmit, Joe, Jim, Elizabeth and Mark and his beloved wife of 56 years Mae Hanick.
Emmet leaves behind his three daughters: Cathy Hepner (Doug) of Memphis, TN., Susan Power of Sunset Hills, MO., and Teresa Hosea (John) of Plano, TX., as well as five grandchildren; Colin Ross (Katie), Devin Ross, Katie Hosea, Ali Hosea, and Max Power.
He will be greatly missed and remembered for his .
Internment at Resurrection Cemetery will be private.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 pm on Saturday, April 30th.
The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 am at St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church, 6040 East Jamieson Ave., St. Louis, MO. 63109.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are greatly appreciated and may be made to the Emmet Hanick Scholarship Fund at SLUH or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
My absolute favorite teacher at SLUH. Lucky to have him for both geometry and physics. He was down to earth and sensible and always provided practical observations and advice. I had the pleasure of extending the invitation to our 50th reunion and having the opportunity to speak with him after so many years. Always admired him and his easy going ways. Top notch in my book. My condolences to all of his loved ones. A very good man for others.
My absolute favorite teacher at SLUH. Lucky to have him for both geometry and physics. He was down to earth and sensible and always provided practical observations and advice. I had the pleasure of extending the invitation to our 50th reunion and having the opportunity to speak with him after so many years. Always admired him and his easy going ways. Top notch in my book. My condolences to all of his loved ones. A very good man for others.
Condolences to the Hanick family. Mr. Hanick was a legend who truly loved what he did and did well. He was a teacher who transcended merely Math and Physics. In my opinion, he appeared that he was charged with providing the young men at SLUH life lessons beyond the purview to which he was assigned. He will be missed.
Condolences to the Hanick family. Mr. Hanick was a legend who truly loved what he did and did well. He was a teacher who transcended merely Math and Physics. In my opinion, he appeared that he was charged with providing the young men at SLUH life lessons beyond the purview to which he was assigned. He will be missed.
I’ve been quoting Mr. Hanick for 50 years on this physics observation: “Remember, it’s not the fall that hurts, it’s the sudden stop.”
I’ve been quoting Mr. Hanick for 50 years on this physics observation: “Remember, it’s not the fall that hurts, it’s the sudden stop.”
Mr. Hanick helped build the foundation to my life in the sciences. His Physics and AP Physics instruction was awesome. My life at SLUH started in my 1st semester typing class with him 🙂
Mr. Hanick helped build the foundation to my life in the sciences. His Physics and AP Physics instruction was awesome. My life at SLUH started in my 1st semester typing class with him 🙂
Emmet taught in school and out, on the court and off. He formed life time connections with his students affecting generations to come. He was family to us. Many good memories of holidays and vacations our families shared together. He will be missed but not forgotten. He has truly left this world a better place. I think of you three often and am saying prayers for your comfort during these hard times.
Emmet taught in school and out, on the court and off. He formed life time connections with his students affecting generations to come. He was family to us. Many good memories of holidays and vacations our families shared together. He will be missed but not forgotten. He has truly left this world a better place. I think of you three often and am saying prayers for your comfort during these hard times.