WESTFIELD – John M. Hansen, 102, of Westfield MA, passed away June 21st, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Assens, Denmark, son of Axel and 
Elizabeth Hansen and immigrated to the U.S. at age three. He was a track, soccer, and tennis star at Cornell University where he majored in Civil Engineering, and met the love of his life, Jean Shaver Hansen. They celebrated 75 years of marriage before Jean died at age 96. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at Cornell. John and Jean married and were stationed for three years in Norfolk Virginia where John was a naval officer during WWII, before settling in Westfield, where they built their first home. He worked for Stanley Home Products in the Industrial and Contract Divisions. John was dedicated to his family, community, and church. He started the Westfield Youth Soccer and Tennis Associations and played squash and competitive tennis into his 90’s. He was a member of the “Ball Boys” tennis team and was nicknamed “Air Hansen.” Committed to nature and the outdoors, he and his wife loved Stanley Park, where they would often cross-country ski. He was delighted to have the tennis courts at Stanley Park recently named in his honor. Jean and John were active members of their beloved First United Methodist Church of Westfield for 24 years and enjoyed teaching Sunday School and volunteering in the activities there.
He leaves his son, Eric of Florida, daughter and son-in-law, Karen and William Rich of West Springfield, three grandchildren, Christianne Pease, Lindsay Cavner, and Jeffrey Rich, and eight great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Stanley Park at 400 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA 01085 or First United Methodist Church of Westfield at 16 Court Street, Westfield, MA 01085. Firtionadams.com
