Richard L. Hansen (Dick), 86, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2019. He was born on March 23, 1932, the son of the late Walter and Viola Hansen. He was a graduate of Westfield Trade School and attended AIC.
He proudly served his country in the US Navy aboard the USS Des Moines. After he left the Navy in 1953, he had a long career working at Strathmore Paper Co for 45 years, until his retirement in 1994. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary (O’Sullivan) Burke Hansen, his sons; Carl of New Mexico, Eric (Alicia) of Russell, Neil of Hawaii, Jon (Stephanie) of Westminster, his daughters; Holly Fanion (David) of Cooperstown, NY, Anna of Northampton, Mary Gillman (Alex) of Pittsfield, and Jessica of South Dakota, his son-in-law Brian Fanion.
He also leaves the mother of his children, Patricia Tarrant of South Dakota, his step-children, Jeff Burke (Connie) of Southwick, Brian Burke (Shannon) of Westfield and Erin Burke (Tony) of Westfield, as well as 2 aunts – Eleanor Orlandi & Mary Lafrenier, foster sister Marcia (Conrad) Phillips of Agawam, many nieces, nephews and cousins. His 26 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren will greatly miss their beloved “Papa”. He was pre-deceased by two daughters – Heidi Hannon (2003) and Amy Fanion (2018), his brothers Francis and Walter and his sister Ellen Forish.
Though never one to boast, his accomplishments were many. He was one of the original founders of the Westfield Soup Kitchen in November 1986 and continued to volunteer there, both preparing and serving, as well as an active board member, until 2018. He was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 100.
He was an active member of St. Mary’s Parish, acting as an official greeter at the 8:30 Sunday Mass, serving as an adult alter server, and was part of the team that cleaned the Church on a monthly basis. He was also a member of the Men of St. Joseph at St. Mary’s. He was a “Gentleman Farmer” and loved his animals, as well as maintaining many beautiful gardens around his home.
His last beloved swan, “Romeo”, can be found in the Stanley Park ponds, a donation he made to the park. He loved spending time with his family and loved their annual family trip to Cape Cod, where yes, they were able to find a house big enough for them all. Whether at the beach, sitting at home by the fire, or outside in the warmth of the sun, he appreciated every moment with family and friends.
If he heard music, everyone knew it would be just a matter of minutes before he was on the dance floor, and could easily out-dance people half his age. He also enjoyed playing the piano. He loved to travel and took many wonderful trips with Mary through the years, throughout the US and Europe, and especially loved Ireland, Italy and Austria.
To know him was to love him. His calm demeanor, unassuming ways and genuine heart made everyone he met feel instantly at home. The memories are many and the love for him timeless.
While we will all miss him dearly, we are glad he is at peace in his forever “Home Sweet Home”. The funeral for Dick will be held on Saturday February 2nd at 8:30 am at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:30 am in St. Mary’s Church. Burial will follow with military honors in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held on Friday evening at the funeral home from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to St. Mary’s High School, 27 Bartlett St, Westfield, MA 01085, or Sisters of St. Joseph Retirement Fund, 577 Carew St, Springfield MA, 01104.
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