John Peter Hanzas passed away peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of February 3, 2024 at his home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He was born on July 9, 1935, in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of the late Peter and Rose (Garbo) Hanzas and grew up in Dormont, PA.
An excellent athlete, he attended Dormont High School where he played football. He earned a scholarship to play football at Michigan State University and graduated with a BA in Restaurant Management and a Master’s of Business Administration.
John was a successful entrepreneur and businessman. He started his career working for Marriott Corporation in Washington, DC where he met his wife of 53 years, Patricia Ann Baker. In 1968 they were married and moved to Burlington, Vermont. The following year, they began their family with the birth of their first son, John Jr.
Shortly after, John would start his career as a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchisee. On June 30, 1969, he opened his first restaurant on Shelburne Road in Burlington but soon expanded to locations in many surrounding cities in Vermont and Lebanon, New Hampshire. John and Pat would have two more children, Michael and Nicole, during the early 70’s. After 21 years of franchise ownership with KFC, in 1989, he sold his franchise rights and ventured into other business opportunities which included Green Mountain Products and Profile Autobody.
John was an avid golfer and a longtime member of The Burlington Country Club. In addition, from 1971-1975, he was a member of the board of Police Commissioners of the city of Burlington, Vermont.
In 2005 he retired and moved with his wife, Pat to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia and his siblings, Thomas, Kathleen and Maryann.
He is survived by his children, John Hanzas Jr. (Sarah), Michael Hanzas, and Nicole Chalf (Adnane); his grandchildren, Leah, Rebekah, Schyler, Ali, Victoria, Zahra, and Matteo; his in-laws, Carlin Hanzas and Peter McElvogue; along with many loved nieces and nephews.
Late in life John battled Parkinson’s disease and dementia. He was cared for, in his home, over the past 18 years by his care manager/surrogate daughter, Melissa Holmes, and many wonderful caregivers. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and caring for him.
His wife, Patricia, battled multiple sclerosis during the majority of her adult life. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you please send donations to the MS Society in honor of John Hanzas. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/
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