Richard N. Hansen, 88, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on Monday, July 9, 2012 in Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, NY, following a brief illness. Born on September 23, 1923 in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Hans and Alice (Haines) Hansen.

Mr. Hansen was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY. Dick, as he was known by family and friends, attended local schools and graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School. He served in the United States Army, during World War II, from February 10, 1943 until his honorable discharge on September 14, 1945. While serving, Mr. Hansen was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Medal. Following his honorable discharge, Dick married the former Jean Lawrie on October 6, 1945. He worked as a machinist and maintenance supervisor for the Kimberly Clark Corporation, until his retirement in 1979.

Mr. Hansen was a member of Riverside Presbyterian Church, where he served as both Deacon and Elder. Dick was also a member of the Niagara LaSalle Masonic Lodge #0132, Niagara Chapter #200 and Niagara Commandery #64. He served as Grand Director of Ceremonies from 1994-1996. Mr. Hansen was also affiliated with the Order of the Eastern Star, where he served as Past Patron. Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling and attending horse races.

In addition to his beloved wife of sixty-six years, Mr. Hansen is survived by five children, Barbara (late Wayne) Young of Florida, Richard (Deborah) Hansen of Niagara Falls, NY, Ruth (Lee) Carnevale of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, Gail (Sam) Piazza of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and Ronald (Lisa) Hansen of Hillsdale, NY and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Dick is also survived by one brother, Chester (Ginny) Hansen of Niagara Falls, NY; one sister, Marilyn (Ron) Cicero of Florida and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by five brothers, Laverne, Frederick, Royce, Andrew and Merle Hansen.

The family will be present to receive friends on Wednesday from 5-9 p.m. in the Chapel of OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (297-9007) where a prayer service will be held on Thursday, July 12th at 9:30 a.m. Prayers of committal will follow, concluding with Military Honors in Niagara Falls Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. A funeral service will follow the internment on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in Riverside Presbyterian Church, 815-84th Street, Niagara Falls, NY. A Masonic Prayer Service will be held on Wednesday, during visitation, at 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Riverside Presbyterian Church, 815-84th Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. To leave a personal message for the family, please visit www.ottoredanz.com and www.niagara-gazette/Obituaries