In loving memory of Joseph J. Hansen who passed away on March 18, 2017 at age 83. Beloved husband of Elizabeth Hansen.  Loving father of Margaret Hansen, Julie Hansen Balerna, and Eric Hansen, and father-in-law of Noha Tohamy Hansen and George Balerna.  Cherished grandfather of Alexandra and Michael Balerna, Naveen and Ela Jain, and Zane Hansen.

Raised in Garden City, New York, Joe, as he was known to friends and colleagues, graduated from Harvard College in 1954 with a combined major in philosophy and mathematics. Following college, he served in the U.S Army of Occupation in Germany from 1954 through 1956, after which he entered Harvard Business School, graduating with Distinction in 1958.

Joe spent most of his career at Raytheon as head of Strategic Planning. Concurrently, he taught mathematics at Northeastern University, College of Professional Studies, for over 50 years.  He was passionate about teaching, loved math, and was well known for inspiring his students to succeed where math had previously been a challenge.  He won many hearts and minds over the breadth of his long teaching career.

Joe's other interests included hiking in the White Mountains and in western United States, photography, classical music, alumni activities and reunion committees at both Harvard College and Harvard Business School, travel, and volunteer work. He was a long-time member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and climbed all of the 4000 Footers, many with his children and friends.  His love of music was reflected both in his over fifty years as a Boston Symphony subscriber and in recent years where he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Lexington Symphony.

Joe's generosity of spirit, intelligence, kindness and friendship will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His greatest passions were his family and many friends.  He was laid to rest at Westview Cemetery in Lexington.  A memorial service in celebration of Joe's life will be held on Saturday, April 8 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Parish Church, Harrington Road, Lexington.  The family will receive visitors preceding the service from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.