Gary Edward Hanson Sr.

For a time, when he was little, Gary stayed with his grandparents in Bellerose in St. Gregory’s parish.

Years later his older brother Artie and family lived in the parish. Artie’s daughter Lorraine, in the parish school, had a 4th grade teacher, Miss Herrick, who was introduced to “Uncle Gary” at their house. The next May they were married. They had two children. Gary Jr. and Joy and had 6 grandchildren.

            Gary spent his whole career working at Citibank, ending up as a self-taught computer programmer. During his years at Citibank he was on various chess teams, He was not afraid to play stronger players, even chess masters, because even in losing Gary felt he was learning from them.

            In his youth Gary was a champion weight lifter who competed in the Pan Am games. One of his record lifts is unbroken to this day.

            In the 80’s and 90’s Gary was in leadership in the Charismatic Renewal in the prayer group from O.L.L. in Queens Village and the Passionist Monastery retreat house in Jamaica.

            Gary was a daily communicant at St. Gregory’s recognized by fellow parishioners in his “Usual” seat and missed in his absence. In retirement Gary worked in St. Anthony’s Catholic School as well as NYC P.S. the Homily Prep. He also worked at the public library and enjoyed teaching chess to children in “Chess Nuts”.

            Among his outstanding qualities were his respect for the children he instructed, his willingness to always forgive and to never hold a grudge.