Roll Call Tribute

Michael Stuart Hanlon 

May 22, 1952 - May 5, 2025 

Michael Stuart “Mike” Hanlon passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025 in San Antonio. He was born on May 22, 1952 in Dallas as the middle child to Lillie Juanita and Thomas William Hanlon, Jr.

He attended Christ the King Catholic School (class of 1966); Jesuit College Preparatory (class of 1970); Texas A&M University (1970-71); and Southern Methodist University (BBA 1974).

He grew up with his two brothers, Tom and Pat, in the Preston Hollow neighborhood full of buddies that frequently held various “front yard” football, basketball, and baseball games. He loved his time as a student and athlete at Jesuit College Preparatory School. While there, he formed many lifetime friendships.

During his years at SMU, he began working in the restaurant industry as a food server at Victoria Station (“VS”). After receiving his degree at SMU, he took advantage of the travel opportunities the growth of VS gave him. He started in Vancouver, BC to help open the first VS there. Next stop in 1975 was Marin County, CA to assist in opening the “Mother Ship” for VS near their San Francisco headquarters. From there he moved to Blimpies where he worked as a General Manager. He returned home to Dallas in 1977 with a road trip in his green 1960’s era MG convertible with his older brother Tom. You can just picture his red afro blowing in the wind, Led Zepplin on the 8-track, and a carefree grin on his face.

After working for the Railhead Restaurant in Dallas for a few years, he moved to San Antonio in 1982 to help his brother Pat with the recently opened Alamo Cafe restaurant. Initially, he “managed the books” by day and worked as the restaurant’s first bartender. He soon joined the management team and worked his way up to be the Head Kitchen Manager. In August of 1985, he opened the second San Antonio Alamo Cafe as the General Manager. The following September, 1986 he moved back to Dallas to help open the first Alamo Cafe there. He returned to San Antonio in 1988 and stayed in operations management with the company until the early 2000’s. His experience and people skills were such an asset for this family business. After “retiring from operations” he stayed with the company in Administrative Management through his official retirement in May, 2024.

In his spare time, he enjoyed many adventures with his friends - hiking trips to Colorado and Yosemite, snow skiing in Colorado, and sailing the Atlantic. Most of all, he treasured his lifelong friends, Richie Hendler and the late Bob Uhler – fondly known together as “The Three Amigos.” From day 1, 1965 freshman year in Jesuit homeroom #111, they bonded and remained close friends for life.

Mike's life was a testament to humility and kindness, always seeking to serve and bring joy to those around him. His quick wit and warm heart filled the room with laughter and light. He will be missed and we look forward to our eternal reunion with him and our Lord Jesus.

'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. ' Ephesians 2:8-9

Mike is predeceased by his parents; and his older brother Thomas William Hanlon III.

He is survived by his younger brother John Patrick “Pat” Hanlon, Sr. and his wife Patrice; nephew, John Patrick “Pat” Hanlon, Jr. and his wife Heather; nieces, Whitney Hanlon Terilli and her husband Peter; and Kasey Hanlon Vanacek and her husband Andrew; one great niece and six great nephews.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

IN THE CARE OF
Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough