The Charity Gene

Native Washingtonian and devout Catholic, Paul Hannan, learned about the importance of giving back and helping others from his family. His mother taught school at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Washington, DC, his grandfather donated land for St. Patrick's Church in Olney, MD and his aunt established clinics for new mothers in Africa. His beloved late Uncle Philip served as an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington and was later named the Eleventh Archbishop for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Paul and his late wife Kathleen raised their four children in Virginia. Her death over 15 years ago left Paul and his children heartbroken. Kathleen was adored by many and several of her fellow parishioners at St. Veronica's wanted to honor her in some way. Eventually, Paul's family and friends created the Kathleen Hannan Scholarship Fund for help with tuition assistance at St. Veronica's School.

After retiring from the airlines Paul began selling life insurance with the Knights of Columbus. Paul soon purchased a whole life insurance policy for himself which upon his death, will provide a considerable charitable gift for the scholarship fund created in Kathleen's memory.

Whole life policies have many benefits including tax advantages and dividends. Paul pays his premiums with after-tax dollars while the cash value grows without taxation. In addition, he pays no taxes on his dividends.

Paul's policy premiums will never increase throughout his life, regardless of his health and age. He is pleased his premiums go towards increasing the cash value, which earns interest similar to a savings account.

Paul is grateful for learning how to truly live his faith from his family. His deep faith provided him the strength necessary to care for Kathleen throughout her illness and peace and comfort after her death.

Happily remarried, Paul's growing brood of 12 grandchildren keep him busy and cheerful. He enjoys making hobby horses, playing his trombone for the Washington Football Team Band and the Shriners and baking for charity.

The legacy of giving back lives on in Paul.