John F. Hanson, D.M.D., 87 of Mattapoisett, MA formerly of Hinsdale and Pittsfield, MA passed away peacefully on April 8, 2022. Born in Machias, Maine he was the son of the late Dr. John and Mary Hanson.
John was educated at local Machias schools and received his B. S. degree at Tufts University. He received his D.M.D. degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Since early childhood he was fascinated by the field of orthodontics and so attended and graduated from Boston University School of Postgraduate Orthodontics. John’s desire was to practice in a relatively rural area and he pursued locations in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and MA. He had not considered locating in Pittsfield, until by chance he drove thru the city in early spring of 1964. Pittsfield instantly felt right for him and arrangements were made to establish his practice first in the Miller Building at 184 North St., with a later move to 435 South St.
John was respected among his peers and loved by his highly esteemed staff and his many patients. He found purpose in helping others as an orthodontist and his kind and compassionate care transcended the lives of those he touched. John was a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a charter member of the Foundation of Orthodontic Research. He was also a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, the Massachusetts Society of Orthodontics, the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society and Berkshire District Dental Society. John derived great joy and satisfaction having the good fortune to form relationships with his patients and their families. He delighted in seeing patients develop a sense of well-being and a zest for life. His greatest wish for his patients and staff was that their life was enriched by knowing him as his life was so enriched knowing them.
John had an active interest in sports and ran the N.Y.C., Newport and Boston Marathons for many years. He participated in the Josh Billings with many of his friends and always smiled at the memory of those times. He then switched his sport to cycling and joined the USCF Cycling Association. He competed across the United States and Canada winning many races in his category. After John’s retirement he continued to develop his painting skills and took great joy in spending time in his art room and with his faithful companion Charlie. He enjoyed worldwide travel adventures and was rarely found without a book in his hand.
John leaves behind his wife and best friend, Dorothy with whom he shared 43 wonderful years of marriage. He is survived by his beloved daughters Bethany Hanson and Steven Valleau and their son Ezekiel of Lamoine, ME, Susanne Hanson and Kurt Hiler of Boston and their three children, Trevor, Colton and Raleigh, and Anne Hanson and Tom Kafka of Los Angeles, CA and their children Helen and Fred. He is also survived by his sister Joanne Kostacopulos and his sister Sally Mulligan and her husband Raymond, Cathy and Brian Rounseville of Rochester, MA, Shaun and MaryEllen Murphy of Mattapoisett, MA, and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his son Michael, his brother Mike and his sister Mary.
John’s contribution to society and humanity were many. We will be forever thankful for his generosity, compassion, and gentle spirit. Memorial donations may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society or St. Mary’s School in Lee, MA. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date and burial will be private.
