John Robert Hanson died peacefully Tuesday morning, December 13, 2016 at Wesley Woods in Newnan, Ga. He was born on February 20, 1931 in Haddonfield, N.J., a son of the late Benjamin and Ellen Hanson.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years Mary Elizabeth Hanson (Betsey), sister Janet Kassow of Jenkintown, Pa., his son John Robert Hanson II (Jay) and his wife Kathy, his son David William Hanson and his wife Bryn, and his daughter Ellen Todd Hanson and her husband Marcello Berzeri; six grandchildren, including Jennifer Hanson, John Hanson (Stephanie), Lillian Hanson, Dylan Hanson, Leandro Berzeri and Gianluca Berzeri.
John was preceded in death by his brother Donald and sister Elizabeth.
John grew up in New Jersey and attended Haddonfield High School. He attended Pennsylvania State University where he met his wife and graduated with an Agronomy degree. After graduation John entered the Air Force pilot training program in Bartow, Fla. and flew in active duty and in the Air Force Reserve, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. John was employed for 40 years with J. H. France Refractories Co., Inc. in Snow Shoe, Pa.
John was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He had a life-long love of gardening, the ocean and working outdoors. John will be remembered for his quiet warmth, dedication to his family and sense of humor. He will be deeply missed.
John and Betsey were residents of Cheshire, Conn. for 50 years and more recently Peachtree City, Ga.
A memorial service will be held at Wesley Woods in Newnan, Ga. on January 14, 2017 at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter: act.alz.org/statecollege2016.
Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville – www.mowellfuneralhome.com.
