Jeffrey Lynn Hanson, MD

Jeffrey Lynn Hanson, MD obituary, Pittsford, NY

Jeffrey Lynn Hanson, MD

Jeffrey Hanson, MD Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Oct. 19 to Oct. 21, 2023.
Jeffrey Lynn Hanson, MD, 68, of 65 West Jefferson Road, Pittsford, died comfortably at home Monday, October 16th surrounded by family with his favorite band, Pink Martini, playing in background. Jeff faced his two-year battle with cancer like he approached everything else in life - with humility and determination.

Jeff was born November 19, 1954 in Jamestown, NY to George W. and Grace Hanson, and graduated from Jamestown High School. After completing his Bachelor of Science degree with honors from SUNY Binghamton in 1977, he received his MD from SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse in 1981. Next was a residency at University of Connecticut's Department of Family Medicine, which he completed in 1984 becoming board-certified in both family medicine and geriatric medicine.

Later in 1984, Jeff took over the practice of Dr. C.T. Andolina in Mt. Morris. The office had just one telephone, did not take appointments, and did not accept any form of payment besides cash. On his first day, there was a line of patients on the front porch when he arrived. Over the next 15 years, Jeff modernized the practice, grew it to three locations collectively known as Genesee Valley Family Medicine, and sold it to the University of Rochester in 1998. He was the doctor for thousands of Livingston County families until his retirement. In 2020, he thoughtfully transferred his patient base to a doctor he recruited to the practice, ensuring continuity of care in the post-Dr. Hanson-era.

Jeff taught and mentored dozens of doctors, inspiring many to follow his lead and pursue family medicine. His philosophy was simple: every appointment should have laughter, no matter how dire the diagnosis. Jeff often came home with unique appreciation gifts such as fresh garlic straight out of a patient's garden, buckets of homemade Sunday Sauce, or platters of cuccidati cookies at the holidays.

Jeff's medical contributions in the community stretched beyond the impact he made at his practice. He served on the Livingston County Board of Health for 22 years - eleven as president. For decades he served as the medical director for multiple nursing homes, Doctor for Geneseo Central School and as a clinical instructor for UR Medical School. Upon retirement, he was appointed Professor Emeritus at the University of Rochester, one of the highest honors that UR Medicine awards.

Professional accomplishments aside, Jeff's favorite title was Dad. He was a devoted father to Ellie and Lyz, and raised his girls to have big, accepting hearts. He loved watching everything they did - from creating shows in the kitchen as little girls to playing games and making meals together as adults. And of course there were the family vacations to Cape Cod. He embraced the creativity of his daughters, who often created shows and games to entertain the family on those trips. The Hanson Jeopardy game included the seemingly endless category that was labeled "Annoying Stuff Dad Says." Jeff was a competitive game player, and was notorious for "shooting the moon" when playing Hearts.

Jeff met Sarah Suppes in 2003 on a blind date. Even though Sarah lived in Boston, it quickly became clear they were meant to be together. They married in 2004. Their home in Pittsford became the site of much cooking and entertaining, including epic holiday parties. In addition to being co-chef for the parties, Jeff would circulate the amongst the crowd, introduce people with common interests, having a great conversation with every guest while ensuring they had enough food and drinks. Jeff and Sarah's quiet times included tackling Sunday crossword puzzles, listening to music, and gardening. Jeff and Sarah traveled the globe - Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and more. Their most recent trip was to Alaska in June with Jeff's mother, sister, and daughter Ellie.

Jeff was proud of his Swedish heritage and kept his family's traditions alive. He made Swedish food - enjoying delicacies like pickled herring - and planted tubers each year passed down from his grandmother. He considered himself a "tough old Swede" - determined and stoic in the face of challenges, yet having a deep caring for family and home, all while being extremely thrifty. Jeff would never throw anything away: a discarded old piece of wood, an empty coffee can, a random item found in the yard. All might be able to be used in some new way, he thought. The coffee can tally reached 60 before Sarah put a stop to it.

He loved simple pleasures like sitting outside listening to the sounds of a summer night or dancing in the kitchen. He insisted on using paper maps instead of GPS, and had no use for frivolous buttons or extra sounds on electronic devices or in cars. He was a voracious reader of newspapers and magazines, and carried an incredible knowledge of random facts. Friends say he was Google before Google, and as such was everyone's favorite trivia partner.

Jeff was a lover of great music, and a fierce dancer with a tight grip and wicked spin, which made dancing with him an aerobic endeavor. He loved a good story regardless of whether he was the listener or the teller. He was happiest when gathering with family and friends and sharing stories filled with laughter that ended with tears running down the cheeks.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Sarah Hanson; daughters, Ellie Hanson of St. Louis, MO and Lyz (Gage) Spahn of Rochester; mother, Grace Hanson of Lakewood, NY; sister, Debra Loomis (Linda Doverspike) of Jamestown, NY; brothers, Scott Hanson (Jere' Dittrich) of Longmeadow, MA and Todd (Barb) Hanson of Busti, NY; seven nieces and nephews; three great nieces; and dozens of cousins. He was predeceased by his father, George Hanson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 12. For information and to RSVP visit www.eventcreate.com/e/JHcelebration. Please RSVP so the family can plan accordingly. Memorial contributions can be made to the Dr. Jeff Hanson Memorial Scholarship Fund, which supports students pursuing a career in primary care. To participate visit www.racf.org/Hanson. To share a memory or send a condolence visit www.anthonychapels.com.

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

Sign Jeffrey Hanson, MD's Guest Book

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October 31, 2023

David R. Lambert, MD posted to the memorial.

October 29, 2023

Connie & Sav planted trees.

October 25, 2023

Richard Rampello posted to the memorial.

David R. Lambert, MD

October 31, 2023

Jeff taught University of Rochester Medical Students in his practice for many years. His dedication to teaching was exemplary and students who worked with him learned more than medical diagnoses and treatments but about humanism and caring. The medical school community extends our deep condolences to Jeff's family and colleagues.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Connie & Sav

Planted Trees

Richard Rampello

October 25, 2023

Dr. Hanson was my doctor for many years. Everyone got the same care, time and devotion. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.

Stephanie Schell

October 20, 2023

Fought his cancer diagnosis with courage and determination while still serving the community.

Kate Kingsley

October 19, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of Jeff´s passing. He was always a pleasure to be with and so helpful and kind to my parents. I can still hear that wonderful laugh...

Arnold H Matlin

October 19, 2023

Jeff was a great colleague and a wonderful friend. It was a pleasure for me--as a pediatrician--to transfer patients to Jeff when it was time for them to move from pediatrics to family medicine.
Jeff was Chair of he Livingston County Board of Health when I worked for the Health Department as Medical Director. He had an immense knowledge of our county and its public health needs.
I will miss him.

Kathy Smith & spouse, John

October 19, 2023

Dr. Hanson was the most awesome medical doctor ever! He understood my husband's anxiety and had the perfect words to say to calm him and comfort and reveal to him that everything would be just fine. His "hearty laugh" was contagious! If I was in another room with Julia, his wonderful NP, I could hear his laugh as he handled another patient's needs. Dr. Hanson was so helpful, too, with my dad, as he neared "end stage CHF". He would lean close to him so my dad could hear him, and again, that laugh would bring smiles to my dad, even though was not feeling well.
May Dr. Hanson rest in peace. He touched many lives and will be so missed.

Gail Nelli

October 19, 2023

Heartfelt condolences to the Hanson family from the Nelli family of Cuylerville in the passing of Jeff. As a member of Geneseo Community Players, Gail first met Jeff in the 1980s when he was helping out with the lighting for a summer show. She was surprised that he took the time from his busy practice to help out, but after getting to know him quite well, of course he would help out with a musical, and of course our family soon welcomed him as our family physician.

Yearly visits were catch up times, filled with the sharing of stories about our families, especially once he moved to Monroe County. Jeff was a warm, caring physician with a good heart who helped us through many medical interventions. How fortunate to have a friend for your physician. Our family is very saddened to hear of Jeff´s passing, far too young. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him.
Gail, Bob, Rachael, and Ryan Nelli

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Sign Jeffrey Hanson, MD's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 31, 2023

David R. Lambert, MD posted to the memorial.

October 29, 2023

Connie & Sav planted trees.

October 25, 2023

Richard Rampello posted to the memorial.