Obituary of Frank E. Hanson

STOW/COPLEY - Frank E. Hanson, Jr., 86, died November 9, 2012. Born in Akron, Frank was a lifetime area resident, having lived in Stow over 50 years. Since moving to Stow in 1957, Frank Hanson was one of the most involved members of the Stow community. His wife, Ruth, passed away in 2000, and the two were known in the community as “Mr. And Mrs. Stow.”  Frank was involved in many civic duties.  He served on the Stow Board of Education and was President of the Board for many years. Frank was President and founding member of the Stow Fourth of July Parade Committee and never missed an Independence Day Parade. Frank was very active in the Stow Lions Club having also served as their President for several years. He also was a member of the Stow Parks and Recreation Board. Frank attended what was then “Akron Municipal College,” now The University of Akron. During his undergraduate work, Frank was drafted into the military in 1944 and served as a radio technician in the U.S. Navy on the USS Pensacola where he was responsible for all search radar repeaters on board, and afterwards he worked at the electronics lab at Pearl Harbor. After his military tenure in 1946, Mr. Hanson returned to Akron University and earned his Masters Degree. He taught physics and chemistry in the Akron Public Schools, before becoming a principal in 1973. He was known throughout the Akron school district as “The Fireman,” as they would move him to different high schools to restore order where discipline had gotten out of hand. In 1984 he retired with 31 years of service in the Akron Public Schools. He then enjoyed spending more time with his family and on his favorite hobbies; amateur radio operating, K8LCN, computers and golfing. Frank was a stockholder at Fox Den Golf Course in Stow, Ohio which allowed him to hit the links whenever he wanted. He thoroughly enjoyed computers and new technology. He was constantly working on and upgrading his computers and learning new programs. Frank and Ruth loved spending their winters in Bradenton, Florida, attending Elder Hostels, attending concerts, traveling, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Frank and Ruth devoted much of their time being sole support to their daughter and grandson, Kenny during his very serious illness after his birth.  Frank formed a special bond with Kenny which was so special to them both.  After Ruth passed away, Frank moved to Sumner on Ridgewood in Copley, Ohio.  While there, Frank continued actively serving the community.  He volunteered for the Red Cross logging over 3,000 miles as a driver for patients in need of transportation to appointments.  He was very active at Sumner, working hundreds of volunteer hours each year as well as serving on various committees and the Homeowners Board. His term as their President ended just this July. While there, Frank created their in-house movie and entertainment channel as well as an informational and music channel. He also taught computer classes and helped everyone with their technology needs. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Ruth in 2000, Frank is survived by his daughter Tracy (Ronald) Piatt; son Frank (Linda) Hanson III; grandchildren Kenny (Julianne), Evan and Benjamin; brother Harley (Carol) and sister-in-law Virginia Hanson. Frank had attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and the United Methodist Church in Stow. Pastor Jim Case will conduct service Tuesday 7 PM at Redmon Funeral Home in Stow, where friends may call from 5 PM until service time. Private burial Wednesday at Stow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Akron Children’s Hospital, One Perkins Square, Akron 44308.