John P. Hansen

John P. Hansen, 81, of East Rutherford, New Jersey, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. A resident of East Rutherford for more than 50 years, John devoted much of his life to serving his community, his parish and, above all, his family.

Born and raised in Ridgewood, John was the son of the late Marjorie and John Hansen. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1969. Following his honorable discharge, John continued his education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He went on to earn an MBA in Management in 1975 and a Master’s degree in Finance in 1978.

John built a successful career in banking and business development. He worked at National Community Bank for more than 25 years, where he focused on business development, and later worked for Trust Company of New Jersey.

His commitment to East Rutherford extended well beyond his professional career. John served as Councilman from 1983 to 1998 and later served as the borough’s Recreation Director, a position he held until his retirement in 2022. He also served as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the South Bergen Joint Insurance Fund and as an Election Day poll volunteer.

John was deeply involved in civic and community organizations. From 1983–84, he served as President of the Kiwanis Club of Ridgewood during an important period when the club welcomed its first woman member. He was also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. An active walker, he enjoyed getting out around town, stopping along the way for a cup of coffee and, true to his nature, a good conversation.

Faith was an important part of John’s life. He and his beloved wife, Pam, were longtime parishioners of Church of the Assumption of Our Blessed Lady in Wood-Ridge, where they also served together as Eucharistic Ministers. John and Pam shared 55 wonderful years of marriage, building a life together filled with love, family, friendship and community. Pam was not only the love of John’s life, but his constant companion and partner through all of life’s seasons. Their marriage was a beautiful example of a lifelong partnership, and the love and devotion they shared remained at the heart of John’s life.

John was the devoted father of Karen Hackett (Tim) and John P. Hansen Jr. (Meghan). He was a proud grandfather to John “Jack” P. Hansen III, Max and Grace Hansen and Tyler and Keira Hackett. He and Pam cherished the time they spent with their family and took great pride in the family they built together.

He is survived by his brother, Eric Hansen (Vickie) of Missouri; sister-in-law Ann Frederick; and his loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. He was predeceased by his brothers Peter and Mark (Davey) and his sister Carolyn.

John will be remembered for his dedication to his community, his commitment to service, and, most of all, his love and devotion to his family.

Funeral from Costa Memorial Home Boulevard and Central Avenue in Hasbrouck Heights  on Thursday, October 1st at 9:30 AM. Funeral Liturgy from the Church of the Assumption of Our Blessed Lady in Wood-Ridge at 10:30 AM. Entombment following at Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum, North Arlington. Visitation Wednesday, September 30th from 3 - 6 PM at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions to the Church of the Assumption of Our Blessed Lady 143 First Street Wood-Ridge, NJ 07075 in memory of John P. Hansen would be appreciated.