Francis "Frank" George Hanson

Francis George Hanson, USN Ret., of North Kingstown, formerly of Bliss Road, Newport, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 30, 1920 in Dracut, Massachusetts, the son of the late Laura Boutot and stepfather, John Seferian. He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Ginny Hanson.Frank joined the Navy in 1941 and attended boot camp in Newport, RI. He served in WW II, The Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Throughout his 30 years of military service, he traveled the world and served on the USS Mississsippi, the USS Chicago, USS Boxer, USS Sagamore, USS Edisto and many other ships. Frank was a "Mustang" who retired as LTJG from the Navy and as Security Officer at the Newport Naval Station, Newport, RI.After retiring from the service, Frank began his general construction business, F.G. Hanson and Son, building and restoring homes throughout RI. In addition to his business, Frank was a dedicated philanthropist, giving his time and resources to the community in many ways. He was an active member of and President of the Newport Lion's Club and the Newport County Navy League. He was a national director of the Navy League and was named Navy League Emeritus. Over the years he served with many service organizations and was a Hibernian, Owl, and member of the Idle Hour club. He was named honorary Chief of Police of Newport. He belonged to the Rhode Island Chiefs of Police Association, Chapter 15 of the Disabled American Veterans, VFW Post 4487, MOAA (Military Officers Association of American), and the Bristol, RI Elks Lodge. He was on the Board of Directors of the Black Ship Festival, the Edward King Senior Center, and the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County. He was a member of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, the Tall Ships Committee, and the America's Cup Committee. He was also the Chairman of the commissioning of eleven Naval Ships in Newport, RI.In addition to serving on many boards and committees, Frank received countless awards and accolades including being honored as Veteran of the Year and receiving the Newport Daily News Community Service Award of the Year. Frank gave generously of his time, his talent, and his treasure. One of the many things that he was most proud of was his contribution to the building of the 9/11memorial at the Newport Naval War College.Frank dearly loved and was loved by his family, children, and grandchildren. He is survived by his children Rusti Berent (Jerry), Robert Michael Hanson, Laura Ruggiero (Anthony), Lisa Garcia (Ramon), Francis Hanson, Jr. (Jennifer), grandchildren Rebecca Berent Fien (David), Jenna Berent, Mateo Garcia, Nina Garcia, Fletcher Hanson, Mia Hanson, and Alexander Ruggiero.Frank is also survived by many dear friends. He asked to leave a "Thank you and God Bless" to all of his extended family, friends, the Newport Naval Community, and the Aquidneck Island community for sharing their lives with him and his family and the wonderful life he had with all. To the doctors and nurses who cared for him in his last hours, the Hansons say thank you. Calling hours will be from 4-7p.m., on July 30, 2013, at the Hambly "Brick House" Funeral Home, 30 Red Cross Avenue, Newport. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 31, at 9:00a.m., from funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00a.m., in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Broadway and Mann Avenue, Newport. Burial will military honors will follow at the RI Veteran's Cemetery in Exeter. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County, 95 Church Street, Newport, RI 02840, or South County Hospital Inpatient Hospice Care, 100 Kenyon Avenue, Wakefield, 02879. Cemetery Details Rhode Island Veteran's Memorial Cemetery 301 South County Trail Exeter, RI, 02822 Visitation JUL 30. 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM Hambly Funeral;Home 30 Red Cross Avenue Newport, RI, US Service JUL 31. 10:00 AM St. Josephs Church Mann Avenue at Broadway Newport, RI, US