John Joseph Hansen

John J. Hansen, 74, of Toms River, NJ, passed away on July 17th, 2015, at Community Medical Center. He was born in Jersey City, grew up in Union City and graduated from Dickinson High School in Jersey City. John lived in West New York, Kearny and Oradell before moving to Toms River in 1999. John was in law enforcement for 30 years, serving with honor and dignity and attaining the rank of Deputy Police Chief in West New York, NJ. While assigned to the Detective Bureau, he was afforded the opportunity to dress in plain clothes. John was always known for his impeccable attire and “magnificent hair”. A great lover of music, especially “Doo Wop”, John spent hours listening to music while on his computer. He had a great sense of humor, which made him fun to be around.

John defined what it meant to be a gentleman. He was total class and a romantic. He was a brilliant, strong, kind, loving man, who would do anything for anyone. He was a man of faith who was always available, and always looking to make another person feel better.

John loved his family in a very deep way. He loved his wife Claire from the first day they met, and she him. His son Scott was his pride and joy. John and Scott were best friends. John also had a special relationship with his nieces and nephews. His niece Stacey shares her special thoughts, “To me he embodies everything a gentleman is. His quiet manner was a constant comfort. No one ever left his company without feeling his sincerest interest in them. Uncle John was attentive to detail and took each individual personality into account and gave you his fullest attention”. He was also close to his sister-in-law Pat, whose cooking he loved.

John was predeceased by his sister Joan De Clemente. He is survived by Claire, his loving wife of 52 years; his son Scott Hansen of Fremont, CA; a daughter Robyn Hansen of Pt. Pleasant Beach; two adored grandchildren: Sara Maria Hansen and John Joseph Hansen II; his brother Edward Hansen of Albany, NY; his sister Florence Arfuso of Ft. Lee, NJ; and many loving nieces and nephews.

There was a Memorial Mass held at St. Luke’s RC Church in Toms River on July 23rd. Cremation was private.

Donations in John’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project or the American Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.