William A. Hanson (1941 – 2018)
CANAAN—William A. Hanson passed away December 15, 2018 at home in Canaan.
Born August 9, 1941 in Old Chatham, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Grace Allinger Hanson.
He moved to Canaan at age five and graduated from Chatham High School in 1959. Upon graduating he worked for Much Electric where he learned his trade.
From 1961 to 1965 he served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Upon his return he worked as an electrician for Stallone Electric out of Watervliet and then Rapazzo Electric out of Albany before working for the IBEW.
In 1972 he went out on his own, starting Canaan Electric. From 1985 until his death, he was an electrical inspector for New York Atlantic Inland out of Cortland.
He was a member of the Canaan Fire Department for 57 years serving 40 years as chief. Mr. Hanson was an emergency medical technician for Chatham Rescue from 1977 through 2002. He was an avid golfer, a member of the American Legions in New Lebanon and Chatham and enjoyed air shows.
Mr. Hanson is survived by: his wife of 48 years, Judith Hatch Hanson; his children, Kenneth (Brenda) Hanson of Great Falls, Montana and Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Keefner of Canaan; daughter-in-law, Natalie Hanson of Canaan; sisters, Margaret Van Dusen French, Sr. Madeline Mary and Mary Tomchik; sister-in-law, Regina Hanson; grandchildren, Daniel and Allison Hanson, Emily (Elijah) Falkner and Sarah Keefner, and Morgan Hanson (Shane Powell), Garrett and Christopher Hanson.
He was predeceased by his son, James B. Hanson and brothers, Joseph W., Thomas F. and John J. Hanson.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, December 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the French, Gifford, Preiter and Blasl Funeral Home, 25 Railroad Avenue, Chatham. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, December 20, 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in New Lebanon with interment to follow at St. James Cemetery, Ghent.
Mr. Hanson was the co-founder of Power the Way for Education and his family asks that in lieu of flowers contributions in his name be made there at P.O. Box 184 Canaan 12029. Condolences may be conveyed at frenchblasl.com.
Jo B. Hammon (1964 – 2018)
NEW LEBANON—Jo B. Hammon died December 6, 2018 after a brief illness.
She was born in Middletown, June 18, 1964.
She was the daughter of Henry “Hoagy” and Carol Boyce.
She is survived by: her father in North Carolina; her loving husband, Marc Hammon of New Lebanon; a daughter, Christine D. Rucker of Amherst, VA; a granddaughter, Sara and her sister, Judy Webber in Wisconsin.
Mr. and Mrs. Hammon were married for 33 years during which time they traveled coast to coast while serving in the military. “Queen Juggy” loved making maple syrup, fishing, concerts and was an amazing cook. She was sharp of tongue and quickwitted.
She will be missed by many and loved forever. A memorial event will be scheduled in the future.
Arrangements are with Simple Choices, Inc., 218 Second Avenue, Troy.
