Dean F. Hanson

Dean F. Hanson, age 95, of Bennington, Vermont, passed away on May 6, 2024. He was born in Barton, VT in 1928. Inspired by a desire to serve he received his funeral directorship from New England Mortuary School, Boston, Mass in 1951. He owned Hanson -Walbridge Funeral Homes for 29 years. In his spare time, he loved golf, flying, and serving the community through his local church and Rotary where he served as club President from 1960-1961.
He was known for being innovative and a forward thinker. Dean sat on many boards including but not limited to Putnam School of Nursing, the Bennington hospital board of directors, Blue Cross Blue Shield, YMCA, M&T Bank, and was also active with Habitat for Humanity.
He was a pioneer in establishing the first rescue squad in Bennington, developing the deer park with Rotary that is still enjoyed today, beautifying downtown main street with the tree planting project, and promoting growth of the Bennington airport.
Most of all, many will remember his leadership and always serving others.  Dean is survived by his children, Diane Hanson Barnes of Fresno, CA, Bonnie Hanson Dwyer (Jon) of San Ramon, CA, Jeff Hanson (Bonnie) of Cape Coral, FL, and Beth Hanson Lathrop (David) of Silsbee, TX. He is also survived by his wife of 41 years Janet Efinger Hanson and her children Mimi Hay, Laine Conklin, Mark Efinger, Evelyn Efinger and Tom Efinger, numerous grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will take place at Second Congregational Church, Bennington on Saturday, May 25 at 11 am. Immediately following the service there will be a reception held in the church hall and private interment at Shaftsbury Center Cemetery.  In Dean’s memory, donations can be made to the Bennington Rotary Scholarship Fund, Bennington Rotary Club, PO Box 24, Bennington, VT 05201 or online through their website at https://benningtontotary.org
To live stream the service go to: https://youtube.com/@secondcongregationalchurch6395 or their website, https://www.bennscc.org