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Lawrence Hansberry Obituary

Lawrence Hansberry

KITTERY, Maine -Lawrence E. Hansberry died peacefully at Portsmouth Regional Hospital after a determined and courageous fight against cancer on July 5, 2013.

He was born in Norristown, Pa., on March 19, 1942, son of the late Harry and Maude (Carpenter) Hansberry.

At the age of twelve his family moved to Tampa, Fla., where he graduated from Plant B. High. After high school graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy, where he attended and taught many schools and was stationed on several ships and submarines. In addition to others, he made several patrols on the USS John Adams and the George Bancroft, both Poseidon submarines, where he supervised in the Missile Control Center. He was very proud of his service to his country and cherished his Naval career, living in Charleston, N.C., Great Lakes, Ill., and Virginia Beach, Va. He retired from the Navy in 1980 after twenty years of service, and taught the submariners of Saudi Arabian Royal Navy for three years.

Following that, he and his wife owned and operated a family video/audio store in Virginia Beach for 5 years. After selling the business, he and his wife taught at Tidewater Tech and then became department heads. When they moved back to Maine in 1990 to be near his wife's parents, Larry left the position of campus director at Tidewater Tech. The year at Tidewater Tech was the most rewarding year of their lives, as they helped shape the lives of young adults. Once in Maine, he taught computer software for several small companies, and then he started a computer business, which he later sold as his health started to decline. For the past twelve years, he had the rewarding experience of teaching computer software to the residents of Riverwoods at Exeter, and thoroughly enjoyed the residents and he friendships he made there.

He was a member and Deacon of Second Christian Congregational Church in Kittery, and has served on numerous committees since he joined the church in 1990. His loves included singing with the church choir and the Stairwells, a local a cappella group, carpentry, listening to 60's music, visiting with friends, computers, and traveling.

He leaves his wife Elaine of 48 years; a son, David Hansberry and his wife Jennifer of Deerfield, N.H.; his sister, Joanne Whitted of Hudson, Fla.; his half brother Robert Hansberry and several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as many friends who loved him dearly. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Maude Hansberry, a son, Bruce Hansberry, a sister Nancy Barton, a half sister Earlene Wunder, and a half brother William Hansberry.

Friends may visit with Larry's family on Friday from 6-8 pm in the JS Pelkey Funeral Home 125 Old Post Road Kittery Maine 03904. A funeral will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. in his church, the Second Christian Congregational United Church of Christ on Governmant Street in Kittery with the Rev Brad Hirst officiating. Family flowers only, donations maybe made in his memory to his church. Care for the Hansberry family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey Funeral Home.

Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.

Published by Foster's Daily Democrat from Jul. 8 to Jul. 11, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
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Our condolences to Elaine and all of Larry's family and friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers that God will whisper hope and peace into your hearts and comfort you in your loss and sorrow. We are grateful for Chief Hansberry's service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service. To our "Brother of the Phin" ... "Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for our long and dedicated service to God and country." -- Rev. Ray Fritz, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.

Chaplain Ray Fritz

July 11, 2013

We only spent a very brief time with you, but it was full of the warmth and kindness you and Elaine showed us .
Earths loss and Heavens gain.
Sincere Condolences to Elaine and all the family

Jean and Steve

July 9, 2013

Larry, you are one of the kindest people I have ever met. You are an inspiration to many. I will always remember you as my dear friend. You have made my life better by knowing your kindness, and great sense of humor. love always, Kathy Moses

July 9, 2013

To Elaine and Family,

On behalf of the Charleston Base SUBVETS and Swamp Fox Chapter SUBVETS WWII, I offer you our sincere condolences on Larry's passing. We grieve with you on the loss of your loved one. All SUBVETS and their families have your family in our thoughts and prayers. There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and Larry will always be remembered as a “Brother of the Phin” and a great Patriot.

Lawrence E. Hansberry
US Navy Retired
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch

Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate

Charleston Base Submarine Veterans
Nick Nichols, Base Chaplain

Nick Nichols

July 9, 2013

Thoughts and Prayers to the Hansberry Family. Larry was such a wonderful friend to my Aunt Beverly. He was such a warm and cheerful man. He will always be apart of my memories of second christian. God Bless

Chalis Rees-Dumont

July 8, 2013

sorry to hear of larrys passing he was a good friend and will be missed by all who knew him and loved him.restin peace my friend

david kenney

July 8, 2013

Larry , I haven't known you long , but l feel l knew you well . Goodbye , fellow singer, Submariner, church member , friend . go rest. Anchors Aweigh, fair winds and following seas for you my friend .

Mike. and Jean Badger

July 8, 2013

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Funeral services provided by:

J.S. Pelkey and Son Funeral Home

125 Old Post Rd, Kittery, ME 03904

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