Gregory C. Hanscom

Gregory C. Hanscom

Greg Hanscom of Cape Elizabeth, Maine died on December 21, 2025 at home with his family by his side.

Born in April 1948, in Sanford, ME to Dr. Oscar E. and Eleanor Hanscom, two minutes after his twin sister, Gail. Greg attended Sanford Public Schools, graduating from Sanford High School in 1966. After graduating from University of Maine with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, 1970, he married his high school sweetheart, Betsy, before earning a Masters of Public Administration from UMaine in 1972.

His career in public service began as Staff Assistant to Police Chief, Bill McLaren, at Portland Police Department in the fall of 1972. Then, at age 28, he became the first chief of police in Windham, Maine in 1976, organizing and leading a department of four officers. In 1984, he became chief of police in Lewiston, reorganizing the Lewiston Police Dept. and planning a new public safety building. In 1989 Greg was appointed by Secretary of State Bill Diamond to be Deputy Secretary of State and Director of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for the state of Maine. During that time, he was active in the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators and was Region 1 President. He was chair of board of the International Registration Plan for the trucking industry. In 2004 he joined the faculty of Southern Maine Community College, serving as chair of the Criminal Justice Department. After retiring from SMCC, he worked with Municipal Resources Incorporated (MRI), a consulting firm in New Hampshire.

He was a devoted father, son, husband, and little league and soccer coach during his days in Windham. His summers on Chebeague Island as a child and adult are the stuff of legend. Greg loved boating and cruising around the islands of Casco Bay. He was a 1960s muscle car enthusiast, attending car shows near and far, plus enjoyed motorcycling around New England. He devoted time to charitable organizations and public service causes throughout his lifetime. He and Betsy enjoyed hiking, skiing, and especially kayaking up and down the eastern seaboard.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betsy Hanscom of Cape Elizabeth; a son Brad, daughter-in-law, Staci, two grandchildren, Nate and Nora Hanscom of Portland; a son Brian and his wife Elizabeth and bonus grandchild, Frankie Janssen of Brooklyn, NY; a twin sister, Gail Hanscom of Saco; a brother, Douglas R. Hanscom and wife Jane of McLean, VA; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life and reception following is scheduled for 11 AM, Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd, South Portland, ME.

For those wishing to make a donation in Greg's name, the family suggests: The Michael J. Fox Foundation, The Parkinson's Foundation, Hospice of Southern Maine, or Maine Island Trail Association.