SOUTHWICK, MA – Fred A. Hanks, 88, passed away on March 3rd. He was born in Windsor Locks, CT to his
late parents Frank O. Hanks and Louise M. (Moore) Hanks. He attended St. Patrick’s Parish School in Thompsonville, CT and was a graduate of Enfield High School (CT) Class of 1946. Fred was an outstanding high school athlete having lettered in football and track & field. He also had a supreme love of music, especially swing, big band and jazz. He was a talented musician who was a vocalist and drummer of a swing band that played throughout the area and the Catskills. During the Korean War Service, Fred joined the United States Marines Corps in 1952 and was honorably discharged in 1954. He was extremely proud of his service and clearly identified as a Marine. Semper Fidelis (“Always Faithful”) is the motto of the Corps and Fred applied that motto to his daily life. He was always faithful to his God, country, family and community. Fred was employed as a Vice President of governmental affairs for Roncari Industries, now Tilcon Roncari, Inc. for many years and valued his close relationship with its owner Ray Roncari and the Roncari Family. He was also quite active in civic, political and community affairs having served as chairman of the Southwick Democratic Town Committee, elected to the Southwick Board of Selectmen in 1972 and ably served on the Southwick Economic Development Council, Library Building Project and many other town committees over the years. He was a past commander and 60-year member of the American Legion Post 338 as well as other local service organizations like the Lions and Rotary Clubs. Fred was a faithful parishioner at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Southwick where he was a key member of the capital campaign committee that led to the successful groundbreaking of the new Parish Faith Formation Center in 2011.
Fred leaves his loving wife of 66 years, Shirley (Bonini) Hanks of Southwick, MA. He also leaves his son Marc Hanks and his wife Debbie of Westfield, MA and his son Dean Hanks of Vaughn, WA. He also leaves his grandchildren Anthony Hanks, Kara (Hanks) DesRoche and her husband Bobby and Courtney Hanks as well as his beautiful, great grandchildren Connor DesRoche and Lily Hanks. He was predeceased by his brothers Norman Hanks and Michael Hanks and sisters Margaret (Hanks) Young and Dorothy (Hanks) Terrio. Fred will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, heard his beautiful voice and has been a recipient of his quick wit and timeless wisdom. We will always think of him when we hear the song “When Irish Eyes are Smiling”. The family wishes to recognize and extend its sincere gratitude to the compassionate care and support from Dr. Njuguna of Baystate Medical Center and the wonderful staff at Armbrook Village that has cared for Fred over the last several years.
Funeral services will be on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 beginning at 9:45 AM with a Rosary Service at Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick, MA followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 AM at Our Lady of the Lake Church. Visitation will take place on Monday, March 6, 2017 from 4-7 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Baystate/Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice Services, 77 Mill Street, #201, Westfield, MA 01085. For more information, please visit www.forastiere.com
