Thomas James "Tom" Hanford

1939 - 2026

Thomas James "Tom" Hanford, 86, passed away peacefully at home in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Monday, March 2, 2026, with his daughter, Ann, by his side.

Born on March 6, 1939, in Brookville, Pennsylvania, Tom was the son of the late Clarence Dale Hanford and Faye Marie McKinley. He graduated from Clarion Area High School in 1957, where he was fondly remembered as a standout "Bobcat" in football and basketball. He furthered his education at Bowling Green State University and his social life with Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. He graduated in 1961 with a degree in business administration.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom was a man of remarkable character - dearly loved by all, known for his kindness, his unwavering integrity, and entrepreneurial spirit that excelled in developing relationships and companies. Tom was an avid traveler ... 128 countries; a lover of sports (go Steelers); loved a scenic drive with a stop at Dairy Queen. Above all, he adored being a devoted father, grandfather "Pap-pap," and friend.

His lifelong career in the soft drink industry began at age 5, working alongside his father at Clarion Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and continued throughout high school and college breaks. Following BGSU graduation, he worked with Nesbitt Orange in Denver, CO, and Bubble-up in Peoria, IL. In 1967, at age 28, he purchased DuBois Coca-Cola, Inc. in DuBois, PA. From 1968 to 1974, he expanded his reach by acquiring 7 Coca-Cola franchises and 2 canning plants in Zanesville, OH, and Hamburg, PA - including his father's original plant in Clarion - serving 11 counties in PA and 3 in NY.

Throughout his career, Tom was heavily invested in the DuBois community and surrounding areas. Recognized regionally as an industry leader, he was known locally for his ability to bring people and communities together. During his time in DuBois, he generously supported schools, sports programs, the Special Olympics, and numerous civic and church organizations. He served as president of the United Way and was a dedicated board member at Deposit Bank, and owner of Merchants Pointe, Tall Travel, and DuBois Investment Company.

In 1986, Tom sold DuBois Coca-Cola and "retired" to South Florida to engage in new business and philanthropic ventures. He developed the recycling facility Waste Magic Recyclers, served as a founding director of Mizner Bank, then later served as board member for multiple Florida based banks. From 1998 to 2001, Tom developed G & G Shipping in the Bahamas where he was highly regarded. It was in Eleuthera, Bahamas, that he found a cherished getaway home bringing years of immense joy to friends and family in his retirement.

Tom is survived by his former wife and friend, Louise Carletti Hanford, and their two daughters, Lesly Ann Maxwell (of Jupiter, Florida) and Ann Kathryn Hanford Fields (of Charlotte, North Carolina); six grandchildren: Matthew Thomas Hanford, Madison McKinley Maxwell, Michael Olmstead Maxwell, Jr., McKenna Lowell Maxwell, Caroline Elizabeth Fields, and Charles "Nicholas" Fields (spouse Sydney).

In 2016, Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 20 years, Branislava Peralta-Ramos, who is survived by her two children, Sandra Peralta-Ramos Jager (spouse Maarten) and Sergio Peralta-Ramos.

All are invited to celebrate Tom's life on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Clarion, PA. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. in the church. A private interment will take place at Clarion Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's in honor of Thomas J. Hanford.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Goble Funeral Home & Crematory, 330 Wood St., Clarion.

Friends and family may send online condolences, memorials, and obtain additional information by visiting www.goblefh.net.