It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Richard E. Hanson on Jan. 20, 2026, in Naples, Florida, leaving behind a legacy of service, integrity and devotion to his family and community.
He was the son of the late Kirk Hanson and Natalie (née Grinnell) Hanson, brother of the late Cynthia Akdag and sister-in-law Ellen Ford (James).
His survivors include his devoted wife Alice (née Fox) Hanson; brother Stephen Hanson; sister Deborah Cathers (Thomas); in-laws Taci Akdag (Jane), Jane Murphy (John), James Fox (Monika); and many nieces and nephews. The times they spent together at so many gatherings throughout the decades enriched Richard’s life and they mourn his loss with such shock and sadness.
Richard met his future wife Alice (Fox) Hanson in 1968. Together they moved from Rhode Island to New Hampshire, spending 35 years in the town of Center Harbor. She was by his side 58 years later when he left this Earth so suddenly.
As a young man, he began his public service early, first as a USMC reservist and later as a Vista volunteer in Arizona. Richard became a selectman and part-time police officer in Center Harbor. As a guidance counselor in Plymouth, for many years, he was a dedicated advocate for all his students. For 15 years he was chairperson of the SAU school board and a member of the Inter-Lakes Board in Meredith.
A graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor of arts and master of arts, also of Franklin Pierce Law School in New Hampshire with a juris doctor, and a member of the NH Bar, he remained a lifelong learner.
Upon retirement, Richard and Alice relocated back to Rhode Island and to their little cottage on Great Island near the ocean in Narragansett. Their last few winters were a joy to spend at their home in Naples, Florida. He and Alice led a quiet and peaceful life with family and friends, guided by an unwavering belief that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, dignity and kindness on one’s journey through life. Richard accomplished that.
A memorial gathering in the spring to honor his life will be announced at a later date.
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