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Hans Petersen Obituary

Petersen, Hans G.

"The Chicken Man"

Endwell: 86, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2011 at Bridgewater Nursing Home in Binghamton, NY. Hans is predeceased by his mother and father, Maria and Jacob Petersen, his brothers Herman and Paul, and his sister Marga Petersen. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of almost 59 years, Janice Petersen. He is also survived by his sister, Carla Butler of Long Island, NY, daughter Gayle Petersen, Endwell, NY, son, Richard Petersen (Jane), Portland, ME, daughter Debi Petersen-Moore, Ithaca NY, and seven nieces and nephews. Hans was blessed with four grandchildren whom he adored, and who loved him dearly: granddaughter Kristina Moore, Ithaca, NY, granddaughter Meredith Petersen, Portland ME, granddaughter Ashley Moore, Ithaca NY, and grandson Hayden Petersen, Boulder CO. He imbued in all his children an understanding of the importance of integrity, honor, honesty, loyalty, courtesy, consideration for others, and a strong work ethic. They will always be grateful for his example as those values have served them well in navigating their own lives.Hans was born in Husum, Germany on April 25, 1925 and immigrated to New York City with his family in 1928. It was in New York City he fell in love with 'the girl next door'. He was a member of the "Greatest Generation". He joined the Coast Guard, part of the Navy at that time, at the age of 17 to serve his country as a Machinist Mate 3C serving aboard two ships from 1943 - 1946. He also served in the USAF from 1951 - 1953, and retired with rank of Major from the USAF reserves. Hans returned from his active duty and enrolled in Syracuse University where he earned his degree in engineering; a member of his graduating class of 1951 was none other than Dick Clark. He moved his family from New York City to Endicott, NY in the fall of 1957 when he accepted a position in IBM Endicott. He was a Staff Engineer in Cost Engineering and a loyal 'IBMer" for 25 years. Hans placed his priorities in the following order: family first, followed by love for his country, then friends and last but certainly not least, Binghamton hockey. He fell in love with hockey in NYC in 1938, beginning his journey as a life long fan of the NY Rangers. It gave him great joy to see them win the Stanley Cup in 1994. His love of Binghamton hockey began in 1973, when he and his wife Janice were among the first season ticket holders of the Broome Dusters. Hans was a reserved man until he sat in his seat at the arena. One day he brought a rubber chicken with a rope around its neck to a game and hung it over the glass after a player on the opposing team took a cheap shot at one of the Dusters. It was at that moment he became 'The Chicken Man', and the rest is history. Over the years he had several personas as the hockey clubs changed - Chicken Man, The Old Ranger, The Ancient Mariner, and The Old Gladiator. He was a strong believer in supporting your team, win or lose. It was unfortunate that after supporting his teams and waiting 38 years, he was unable to attend the playoffs during the season that brought home the Calder Cup. However, it gave him great joy to know that they'd won, and the Binghamton Senators brought the Calder Cup to him at Bridgewater for a photo. His journey with Binghamton hockey was now complete. Our family will always be grateful for this act of kindness. A few years ago, the 'Lifetime Fan Award' was created in his name, and he was the first to receive that honor, of which he was most proud. We know that not only his family and friends will miss Hans, but so will the fans of Binghamton hockey. If there is a hockey team in heaven, he will be preparing for his new role as a loyal super fan. His entire family would like to acknowledge the wonderful and compassionate care provided by his cardiologist, Dr. Nasiruddin Jamal, for over 30 years, as well as his primary physician, Dr. David Zander. Hans' final 6 months of life were spent as a resident of Bridgewater Nursing Home, where he touched the lives of residents and staff alike. The care and genuine love he received while there will never be forgotten. To the staff that became part of our family on the second floor, there are no words to thank you enough for all you provided to Hans and his family. He treasured the small photo album he kept of you all, entitled 'My Bridgewater Family' and we know he loved you all very much, as do we. The family will receive friends at the Barber Memorial Home, Inc. 428 Main St., Johnson City, Sunday July 3rd from 2 - 5PM. Private burial with military honors will be held on Tuesday, July 5th, at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press & Sun-Bulletin from Jul. 2 to Jul. 4, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Hans Petersen

Not sure what to say?





August 3, 2012

You are the first thought on miy mind when I wake up each morning,I miss you so much and wish you were here with me,I carry you in my heart.Life is not the same without you. Love your "hon"

July 30, 2012

Dad, it was a year on the first, and today would have been your 60th wedding annivesary. We all love and miss you and think of you every day. I can't tell you how often I think to myself 'Dad will know the answer to that.' Now I have to find the answer myself. Love you always, Gayle

August 1, 2011

Janice and famiy, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We have missed Hans this summer. May the Lord be with you at this time of loss. Love, Glena & Denton Sutphen

Julie Stamm

July 16, 2011

Janice, Gayle, Rich, Jane, Debbie and families,
So sorry for your loss. Lucky us to have known Hans Petersen. He sure brought smiles to everyone around him!
Hugs to all ...Julie and Michael Stamm

Kate and Michael Battaglino

July 11, 2011

Janice, Gayle, Richard, Jane, Debbie and Family,

We consider ourselves so fortunate to have had Hans Petersen in our lives. We will miss his smile, generosity and caring disposition. He was a true gentleman who touched the hearts of all those who knew him.

We will never forget our great times and many, many laughs shared in Section 7

He was a great friend and will always be remembered,

July 10, 2011

To the Petersen family....Words cannot adequately express how saddened this community felt when they heard the news about Hans. I know that his memory will live on forever in not only your hearts, but in the hearts of the hockey fans in Broome County. I believe that he is in heaven arranging a hockey fan dinner meeting with Win and my son Ed and knowing Hans... I am sure he will bring the chicken! I wish you peace at this most difficult time... I can only say... I know... Sandy Warner

Ben Sperduti

July 6, 2011

Hans, you were a wonderful man, and a symbol of dedication to what a person enjoys the most in life. The day I first had a conversation with you face to face about hockey, I was enamored by your passion for hockey, and for life in and of itself. I hope to follow in such footsteps as I continue to live here in Broome County and in support of my favorite team, on the dance cam, with my friends and family. Rest in peace, my friend. You'll be dearly, dearly missed.

PAT SHOVE/PETROSKI

July 5, 2011

JANICE, RICH, GAYLE AND DEB,
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT HANS . HE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN AND A GREAT FRIEND.
WE LEFT ENDWELL IN 1977 BUT WE DID NOT LEAVE OUR MEMORIES OF ALL OF YOU . WE SHARED MANY GOOD TIMES TOGETHER AS NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS EITHER AT YOUR PLACE OR AT MY PARENTS , TONI AND FRAN.
THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THOSE MEMORIES .

I WISH YOU PEACE AND COMFORT TO GET YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME.

Selene Rojas

July 5, 2011

Gayle our condolences to you and your family, you are in our prayers. What an amazing story here... Selene Rojas and family

Kevin Tombs

July 5, 2011

The Sens pulled it off just in time!!!
R.I.P...

July 5, 2011

Gayle, What a beautiful write up, I am sorry I never got to meet yoru father, he sounds like he was an amazing man, and I bet he has some really great stories to tell. My heart is with you in your grief.
Nicole

Becky Birdsall

July 5, 2011

So sorry to hear about your father, husband and grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family here at TWC. What a great write-up about him. He was a man with many honors.

July 5, 2011

Gayle, I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Reading the obituary made me wish I'd known him, he sounds remarkable. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Janice Wilson Allan

Barbara & Gary Kraus

July 4, 2011

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Bruce Tyson

July 4, 2011

To the Family of Hans Petersen,
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Hans was a very good friend that I got to know as far back as the Whalers days. I will never forget our talks and laughs about the Rangers & Flyers. He will be missed. I'm so glad that he was able to be with us when the Sens won the Calder Cup.

July 4, 2011

Rich,
Sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dennis and Cindy Cole.

American Heart Association

July 4, 2011

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

July 4, 2011

To the Family of Hans Petersen:
Even though we never knew or spoke to Hans, my whole family knew who he was and he would make my kids laugh with that rubber chicken at the hockey games. Please know that he touched many lives of strangers.

My family and I have you all in our thoughts and prayers but know that Hans Petersen's smile and great sense of humor will always be remembered.

July 3, 2011

Thanks for all the memories at the games.May GOD put his healing touch and blessing on all of his family during this trying time. RIP

July 3, 2011

Janice and Family, So sad to read of Hans' (Chicken man) passing. We were right there with you two from day 1 and Hans always made the games more exciting. I remember your kindness to me when my husband passed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. RIP Hans. Judie Randall

July 3, 2011

Gayle, So sorry to hear of your dads passing. My thoughts are with you. Wendy (Wallace) Catucci

July 3, 2011

Blessings to the entire family. We were lucky to hear of the fun stories of the Chicken Man over the past few months. Many prayers and well wishes to you all. Your loving flock friends at Parrot Safari Toy Factory. Putunia sends her love, prayers and well wishes to mommy and family too.

Rhonda Harvey

July 3, 2011

Dear Mrs. Petersen, Rich and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Petersen was a wonderful man. I hope that the community's outpouring of love helps you at such a difficult time.

The Chesnick's

July 3, 2011

To Hans family
Hans was a true gentleman who always had a smile and a kind word to share. Any time there was a mention of Binghamton hockey fans Hans was the first name to come to mind. May fond memories comfort you and give you peace in the gray days ahead.

Bonnie Davis

July 3, 2011

I met Hans a few weeks ago at Bridgewater rehab. while visiting my dad. Hans asked me if I was his granddaughter. No I said I'm his daughter. What a sweet man. I sure miss him at dinner. Bonnie Davis

July 3, 2011

Rest In Peace Chicken Man. Growing up I always looked forward to the games and seeing the "Chicken Man". THanks for the memories. May god be with your family and friends and bring them peace in this difficult time.

Kelly Jones

H Shaut

July 3, 2011

WE loved the "extra" entertainment Hans provided! His love and enthusiasm for hockey was much appreciated. How heartening that the hockey team took the Calder Cup to him---that made my day---"the" recognition of how special he was.

Maralena Dropp

July 3, 2011

Mrs. Petersen and family, I am very sorry to hear of Hans passing. I met Hans many years ago when my father would come to your home. I enjoyed Hans very much, and was always glad to run into him at a hockey game when I was older. He was a very kind man. May you find comfort in your memories and know that he touched many people with his kindness and wit. Your family is in my thouhts and prayers.

July 3, 2011

To the Petersen family..Our prayers are with you all at this difficult time.Hans had a wonderful sense of humor and a joy for life.Rich be sure to tell everyone about Hans teaching you how to drive and his special surprise technique.A life well lived..Dr.Jeff Burns Rapid City,S.D.

Frank Slack

July 3, 2011

To the Petersen family, my prayers are with you. Hans was a very Kind, Caring and Wonderful Man. He will be greatly missed. I remeber years ago attending my first few games and seeing Hans in action. I want to thank him for helping me like hockey, and the time I spent as the Chicken Kid. RIP Hans.

July 2, 2011

I remember Hans during my life in the Binghamton and the hockey games. He was truly the Chicken Man .RIP and bless your family. Katie Wandell

Steve Gennarelli

July 2, 2011

Seeing Hans at the Dusters games was oftentimes more fun than the games themselves.
Thanks for inspiring a few generations of fellow fans !!!

Kelli Koncak O'Donnell

July 2, 2011

Mrs. Petersen and Family,
I was so sorry to hear that Mr. Petersen passed away. Going to the Duster's games with my dad as a young girl were always so very exciting in part because we sat in your section. I will always remember him for his kindness and passion for hockey.

Ben Margolius

July 2, 2011

On behalf of the members of the Southern Tier Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, our thoughts and prayers are with the Petersen family. We greatly appreciate Major Petersen's service to our country. Hans was a longtime member of our chapter. He had a lot of friends and he will be greatly missed.
  
Benjamin Margolius (Vestal, NY)

July 2, 2011

I was extremely saddened to hear of Hans' passing. He was a wonderful man; truly having touched the hearts of all those who knew him. He will be greatly missed by many. My deepest condolences go out to the family.

"While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil." - John Taylor

Rest in Peace Hans - you will never be forgotten.

Joy VanGelder

July 2, 2011

Hans was a great entertainer at Hockey Games!Will surely be missed!

Kim Gunn

July 2, 2011

Han's, you will truly be missed. Thanks for the memories.

Ann Bello

July 2, 2011

To the Peterson Family;
Hans will be missed so much. When I was voted in as the booster club president he was my lifeline. He had a wealth of knowledge and always helped me along the way. I will never forget the friendship we formed and how special he was. I will forever love hockey and thank of you every game we are there. I hope there is a hockey team in heaven and you and YMCA Dave will forever be the top fans there! Hans thank you for teaching us how to be great and loyal fans.

Bonnie Brown

July 2, 2011

I will miss you Hans! My sympathy to your family.

April Pangburn

July 2, 2011

Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you during this time.

Rich Doud

July 2, 2011

Life long Binghamton Hockey fan and supporter gets called-up to Hockey Heaven. RIP Hans - you will never be forgotten by the fans of the Broome County Memorial Arena. Hans put good cheer in the hearts of many, even when our hockey team couldn't. I'm so glad he got the see the Calder Cup finally come to Bingo! Our deepest sympathies to the family.

Pamela Christina

July 2, 2011

Richard and family, so sorry to hear about your Dad. What a nicely written obituary --a tribute to him. He must have been quite a character at the hockey games. God Bless you and your family at this sad time.

Linda Holmes

July 2, 2011

Mrs. Petersen, Gayle and all of your family: my deepest condolences to you all upon your loss of your husband and father. My heart goes out to you. I am very sorry. Mr. Petersen certainly was a special man, a unique person, a man of achievement, love and humor. May God Bless his Soul and also comfort you. Your friend, Linda J. Holmes

Rebecca & Gary Severcool

July 2, 2011

We so loved our Hans! The arena won't be the same. Deepest sympathy to the family-you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Ksra Mohan

July 2, 2011

Mrs. Petersen, we are truly sorry to see such a wonderful man gone from our presence, but our family, we think of him often and will miss him always. You both brought so much joy to my parents.As well as to us, even though he was a Red Socks fan. We are truly sorry for your loss. -The Battaglino's

William Rouse

July 2, 2011

Mrs Perterson and family,

Hans was a very nice man. I was in business as owner of williams Lawn And Tree care for 30 years and he was a wonderful customer. he use to drop his payment off in person because he enjoyed getting out and chatting with people. Nice man....Sorry for your loss, i will say a prayer for heavens new angel...

Bill Rouse

July 2, 2011

Dear Janice,Gayle,& Richard&families,,
Oh! how sad to hear of Han's passing. We have so many fond memories of him & all of the family.many laughs & stories especially the one at the NYS fair.He was such great fun & may he rest in peace Our sincerest thoughts are with all of you.

Love,,, Chris And Patty Renda& family
H he was a wonderful man

July 2, 2011

We left binghamton in 1983 to move to Texas and have kept track of Hockey in Binghamton all these years and remember Hans. We are sorry of hear of his demise. Duane and Barbara Jackson N. Richland Hills, TX.

Tara Brady

July 2, 2011

My deepest sympathies to his family. What a great and wonderful man. RIP

John Sturtevant

July 2, 2011

I first met Hans at IBM years ago and knew at the that first meeting that he was a true gentleman. I enjoyed his company not only at IBM but during our hockey discussions. We have lost a gem that has no replacment. My sympathy to the family and may God bless you.

LORI BARTON

July 2, 2011

SO SORRY TO HEAR OF HANS PASSING. HE WILL SURELY BE MISSED AT THE HOCKEY GAMES. WHAT A TRUE FAN HE WAS. RIP "CHICKEN MAN"

July 2, 2011

. I started going to hockey games as a child and will always remember Hans with the chicken and the shaving cream on the glass!!! It won`t be the same without you Hans...you will be greatly missed! I am so glad you were able to experience the cup before your passing. My prayers go out to the family. Diane Quick (Binghamton)

Carol (Vanderpool) Stanton

July 2, 2011

To the Petersen Family:
I fondly remember the years of joy he brought to all of us hockey fans at the Arena. I had the privilege of knowing him as a member of the Whalers Booster Club and was glad I got the chance to know him. He was a wonderful man and will be remembered with great fondness. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

July 2, 2011

Janice and family:

We were so sad to hear of the news of Hans passing. He was such a wonderful, kind and generous man. We are so glad we had the privilege to get to know the two of you so well over the past years. We will miss him deeply. May God help you through this and you and your fanily will be in our prayers.
Love,
Nancy & Jordan

Karen, Rich, and Ryan Dixson

July 2, 2011

Jan,
We are so sorry to hear of Han's passing. He was a great man. It was an honor to have known him.
With our deepest sympathies,

Amy Murphy

July 2, 2011

Gayle,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time!

July 2, 2011

Rest in Peace, Hans, the B-Sens won the Cup. God bless you for all that you did for Binghamton hockey, and others during your lifetime. I know the players loved the buttons you made them. Thanks to the B-Sens for getting the Cup over to Hans. That was a wonderful gesture by the team. His family is in our prayers at this time of sorrow.

Jeanne Brizzee

July 2, 2011

Rest in Peace Hans, you will never be forgotten Chicken Man....

Bob Norton

July 2, 2011

Dear Petersen Family....you are in our prayers during this time. Chicken Man will never be forgotten. Thanks for sharing him with us!!

Margo Koffman

July 2, 2011

Mrs. Petersen,
My prayers are with you and your family. We enjoyed Hans and his light spirit he brought to 2A. He kept everyone on their toes.
Margo Koffman, CNA Bridgewater

The Hayden family

July 2, 2011

Our family was sad when we heard yesterday that Hans had passed away but we are remembering great joy that he brought us growing up watching him at the games from the early days of hockey with The Broome Dusters up through The Binghamton Senators and getting to know him as adults. We send a heartfelt thank you for all you did for hockey! Glad you got to see the cup and now wishing you to rest easy and in peace. Binghamton Hockey is blessed having one of the best guardian angels!

Kathy Loveland

July 2, 2011

So sorry to hear this sad news. What a great man he was. May God grant you peace.

July 2, 2011

To all of Hans' family, my condolences for your loss. I worked with Hans in IBM and learned a lot from him, especially about work ethics and integrity. What a great sense of humor he had! I am sure you have an endless supply of great memories to help you through this sad time. He truly was a great man! Bob Lord

Sue Crisanti

July 2, 2011

My condolences to the family of such a warm,classy,intelligent man. I knew him from working at Wilson years ago and he always had the ability to brighten the day with his wonderful personality. May he rest in peace. May his family find comfort in God and all the people who loved Hans.

July 2, 2011

Rest in peace "Chicken man" Heaven has an awesome angel now! Prayers are for the Petersen family!

A Friend

July 2, 2011

To the Family of Mr. Petersen;
I am saddened to hear of the passing of your husband,father,grandfather,uncle. You were truly blessed to have him in your life. While I didn't know him personally, I feel that he was a friend. I will never forget the enthusiasm he created at the Arena, oh so many years ago when I was a teenager..he strengthened my love of the sport and showed so many the meaning of true sportsmanship. I only wish my own children could find the same devotion to the things they love, as much as Mr.P did. He will always be remembered fondly in my, and many other's memories. May he rest in peace.

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Funeral services provided by:

Barber Memorial Home, Inc. - Johnson City

428 Main Street, Johnson City, NY 13790-1995

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