Jeffrey E. Hanna

Jeffrey Edmond Hanna, 81, passed away on November 12, 2023, at Westchester Medical Center from the onset of leukemia.

He was born in 1942 in Cleveland, OH, graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH, then worked for 36 years in education. He retired from the West Park Union Free School District of Ulster County in 2000 where he worked for 27 years, rising from Social Studies teacher to Superintendent of the District. He served as Board Chairperson of the Ulster County United Way and led a fundraising challenge that raised over $1 million dollars for the needs of the community. He also served 5 years as a valued Board member of the Red Hook Golf Club.

Jeff was a caretaker of those he loved. He made sure that family members had things like safe cars with good tires, and that they knew someone to call for counsel on all topics, large and small. In a crisis, Jeff would quietly take over the details and shepherd everyone through the predicament. He was a quiet but effective leader.

He was rebellious by nature and fought for what he believed in. Jeff had passionate political opinions, and you always knew where he stood on the issues at hand. He was a voracious reader, loved to play golf and he generously shared his love of Lebanese food with family and friends.

Jeff was a loving husband, devoted father, fun-loving brother, and a cherished friend. He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Virginia; four stepchildren and their families, Deb Ranicar of N. Granby, CT, David and Charmaine Groves of Baltimore, MD, Victoria and Kevin McLaren of Ulster Park, NY, and Joseph and Jill Garone; and 6 grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters and their families, Wendy Henighan (Robert), Jackie Ziegman (Rick), and Deb Jacob (Gary).

A Celebration of Life will be held next spring.

The family would like to thank the Oncology/Hematology departments of Northern Dutchess Hospital and of the Westchester Medical Center for their care and concern throughout his time of illness.

Arrangements under the direction of the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, Rhinebeck, NY.

Memorial Donations in honor of Jeff can be made to Leukemia Research Foundation.

To send an online condolence, please visit www.dapsonchestney.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeffrey E. Hanna, please visit our floral store.