James T. Hanson

James T. Hanson
served on Town of Maynard Planning Board,
Raytheon retiree, Army vet; 73

MAYNARD -- James T. Hanson, 73, a lifelong resident of Maynard, died Mon., Feb. 8, 2010, at his home with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Wilma (Baldwin) Hanson.

Born in Concord and raised in Maynard, he was the son of the late Henry T. and Alice R. (McDonald) Hanson. Mr. Hanson graduated from Northeastern University where he was elected to Eta Kappa Nu, the Electrical and Computer Engineering Honor Society.

While in college he enlisted in ROTC, and served in the US Army.

He was employed by Raytheon as an engineer for over 47 years before his retirement. A radar systems specialist, he worked on many projects including the Patriot Missile System, and was awarded many patents for his inventions in the field. His 60 years of ham radio activities focused on DX Communication with verified individual contracts in over 320 countries.

Mr. Hanson was very interested in genealogy, and had done extensive research on both his and his wife's ancestors. He loved sailing and spent many hours sailing with his wife on Newfound Lake in New Hampshire.

He also served on the Planning Board for the Town of Maynard for 15 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons and a grandson; James F. Hanson, wife, Jessica and their son, Taylor; and Thomas and Edward Hanson; a brother, John Hanson and his wife, Susan; two sisters, Alice Pillivant and Jeanne Hanson; brothers-in-law, Dennis Baldwin, and Richard Blasing; and sister-in-law, Sharon Blasing. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and extended family members.

HANSON -- Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Sun, Feb. 14th from 2-6 p.m. at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Mass Ave. (Rte. 111), Acton. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Mon., Feb. 15th at 9 a.m. in St. Bridget's Church, crn. of Percival & Sudbury Sts, Maynard. Burial will follow in St. Bridget's Cemetery, Great Rd (Rte. 117), Maynard. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Mr. Hanson's memory to the Alpha 1 Foundation, Attn. Development Office, 2937 SW 27 Ave., Suite 302, Miami, FL. 33133, also on-line at www.alphaone.org or to the charity of one's choice.