Dennis A. Hanley
January 1, 1955- August 12, 2025
Dennis Arthur Hanley, 70, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on August 12, 2025, from lung cancer, surrounded by his wife and loving family.
Denny was born January 1, 1955, in Omaha, Nebraska to John J. and Kathleen Hanley. Denny graduated from Westside High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary & Special Education from Arizona State University in December 1977. He went on to receive a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in May 1996.
Denny was a lifelong educator directly teaching over 1,000 students and influencing another 50,000 in later roles. He was employed by Millard Public Schools from 1981-2011 as a classroom teacher at Sandoz, and later, a district instructional technology facilitator deploying and instructing teachers on how to leverage new technology in the classroom. Everyone in Millard was influenced by Denny in some way with cutting edge technological deployments. When Denny was in a school building his presence was unmistakable as teachers had both questions on the technology and wanting to catch up with such a dynamic person.
Denny retired from Millard Public Schools in 2011 and transitioned to the University of Nebraska-Omaha, as an Instructional Technology Design and Training Specialist. He worked at UNO at the College of Education in Roskins Hall, for 14 years assisting University Faculty and Education students using technology to improve instruction. He was a NASA and STEM education enthusiast, coordinating summer camps, robotics competitions, and even sending materials to the International Space Station.
Denny’s personality was larger than life, with his biggest strengths being Woo (winning others over). His work ethic was inspirational in the education world, and would stop whatever he was doing to help a colleague in need, professional or personal. His colleagues felt blessed to work with him, even if he did walk down the hall with a snake wrapped around his neck, a smile on his face, and telling stories that toed the line between fact and fiction. Denny was proud of his 100% Irish ancestry sparking epic journeys of discovery. He and his three sisters traveled the states and Ireland to find the missing history of the Hanley family.
Denny was a very talented musician and was a percussionist in several bands starting at the age of eleven. He and his friends from Westside formed a lifelong Jazz band and played on the weekends at many venues and special events in Omaha including Heartland of America Park, Rockbrook Village, the old Ozone Lounge, and even the Joslyn Art Museum.
Family was the heartbeat of Denny’s life. As a devoted husband, proud father, cherished grandfather, and loyal brother, he poured his love into every relationship. Holidays and special gatherings were the moments he treasured most, times when laughter filled the room and memories were made. Known for his kindness, compassion, and a heart that seemed big enough for everyone, Denny touched lives in ways that will never be forgotten.
Denny is survived by his wife, Dr. Mary Ritzdorf; his children, Michelle (Young) Cascio and husband, Alfie Cascio, Plattsmouth, NE, who was lovingly adopted and raised by her parents, Roland and Helen Young in Plainview, NE; Jessica (Hanley) Cella (Dan), San Diego, CA, Jake Hanley (Caitlin), Omaha, NE, and Amy (Hanley) Popple (Addison), Omaha, NE. He is also survived by Mary’s children, Connor (Mary) Ritzdorf, Evan Ritzdorf (Reanna Russell), and Jordan Ritzdorf, all from Omaha, NE, his loving sisters, Kathleen McGahey, Margaret Ross, and Mary Sindelar, all from Omaha; His grandchildren, Brennan and Claire Cascio; Kennedy (Cascio) and Corey Seffernick, Bailey (Cascio) and Seth Rinderknecht; Tyler, Brody, and Cal Cella; Grayson, Elise, Maren, and Liam Hanley; Noah, Tatum, and Lowen Popple; and Great-Granddaughter, Collins Rinderknecht; and Genevieve and Lucy Ritzdorf; and many nieces and nephews.
Denny was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, John J. Hanley, Jr.
PRAYER SERVICE: Sunday August 17, 2025 at 3:00PM with VISITATION beginning at 1:00PM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 654 S. 86th St., Omaha.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, August 18, 2025, at 10:00AM, Christ the King Catholic Church.
PRIVATE INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To view a live broadcast of the services, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
15 Comments
I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Hanley’s passing. I was a sixth-grader in his first class in Millard, and I have always remembered his kindness, sense of humor, and interest in his students, I especially enjoyed how he taught beyond the text book and had us think about things happening in the world and how they could affect us. We had several one-on-one talks over lunch/recess shooting baskets, just talking about life, growing up, and what could be ahead of me in my future. I am now a 5th grade teacher in Millard, and he is the role model I try to live up with my class. One of my fondest memories was seeing him again during my first-year training in Millard (26 years after being in his.class) and his making a bee line to me to give me a hug. I am glad I had the opportunity to have had him in my life, and I am glad I have all the memories.
Your heartfelt comment would’ve meant everything to him.
Thank you Mark Sponsel for your beautiful tribute to my brother Denny. You are one of many students Denny inspired when he taught in Millard. After his teaching career he worked in the technology end of education as computers began to be integrated into the classrooms. He was in the vanguard of the computer age and realized it was a necessary tool in the classroom. My amazing brother was teacher, IT technition, drummer/percussionist in Omaha from the age of 11, husband,
father to four , grandfather to 13, and great grandfather to 1.
Denny was a bright light in our family and we will miss him but we will treasure the many fond memories we have of him.
RIP my amazing brother. I love you dearly.
So sorry to hear of this loss. I worked at Sandoz school in Millard for many years and he was a teacher there. Wonderful person and great co-worker. He touched many students in a positive way. He will be missed by many people.
I knew Denny simply as a Good Person. We met many years ago at Christ the King. I attended High School with Denny at Creighton Prep and Westside. He was an excellent basketball player. Denny marched to the beat of his own drummer, but whenever we spoke, you knew that Denny was sincere and that he cared about other people. I was not surprised to learn he was a great teacher. I saw Denny a few years ago at a high school reunion, and he was honestly excited to see and talk with old friends.
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Denny. I had the pleasure of working with Denny when he was a Tech Initiator for Millard Public Schools. He was kind, knowledgeable and oh what a sense of humor he had!. He was always a supporter of education in general and of the Library Media department which I was a part of, for which I was always grateful. I will always remember Denny for these qualities, his smile and his positive outlook. Sending my sincere condolences to his family and friends.
So sorry to hear about Denny. God bless him! What an accomplished life he lived. Thoughts and prayers to all the family.
So sorry to hear about Denny. God bless him! What an accomplished life he lived. Thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Denny was the ultimate educator. I remember him from my Millard days and NSEA days. Denny was such a professional educator. May God grant comfort to all who loved him.
I am a retired Teacher Librarian from Millard Public Schools – I worked in 3 elementary schools during my career. Denny was always helpful, caring, enthusiastic, and generous – I loved his sense of humor! I also took classes from him on at least a couple occasions – learned a lot and just had a good time. His infectious energy will be missed – but his positive influence will be felt by many for many years to come.
My condolences to his family – God’s blessings – RIP my friend.
I knew Denny from UNO. He loved coming to my office to show me family pictures, especially a new grandchild. He helped me solve a lot of tech problems. A great person with many stories.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Denny was always one of my favorite people! He was such a joy to talk with. I was always touched by how he, and his sisters, took care of his brother John. May he rest in peace.
I taught with Dennis at Sandoz Elementary. He let my first graders watch his snake 🐍 eat a mouse 🐁 What a handsome on lesson about the food chain I now live in coastal California and will not be able to attend his services but I will be thinking about your family. Dennis was a great guy and fun to teach with. God bless him and your family. He will be missed. Sammy Coray
We are so sorry for your loss. Reading about Denny, he was a role model and amazing person, and will be missed dearly. Sending our deepest condolences.
I am so sorry to hear of Denny’s passing. I worked with him at Millard Public Schools. Denny was such a fun person to be around. I remember going to the Ozone to hear him play. Prayers for his family.
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