Kenneth J Hanson “Kenny”, 69, of Flowery Branch, GA, formerly of Dexter, NY passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, March 29, 2024 with his family by his side, after a very long battle with cancer.
Kenny was born on July 14, 1954 in Dexter, NY to the late Lawrence and Jean (Brown) Hanson. He attended General Brown Junior/Senior High School, where he was an avid football player. He later went on to join the U.S. Navy, and served on the USS Forrestal from 1973 to 1976. He was so proud to have served his country and to be a Veteran of the Vietnam War. Kenny then went on to work in the maintenance and electrical fields, and retired as an electrician in 2010.
He married the love of his life, Charlene Antonelli on June 30, 1979 at Immaculate Conception Church, Brownville, and devoted the rest of his life to loving her and their three children.
Kenny was always looking for the opportunity to be involved in the community, or even lend a hand to a stranger. If you called, he would be there. He spent his years living on Pillar Point as a member of the Pillar Point Volunteer Fire Department, the Pillar Point Snowmobile Club at his in-laws restaurant, Footies, he was heavily involved with 4H, and spent several years while raising his children as a 4H leader. He was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Station Sackets Harbor, where he was the Flotilla Commander for several years. Kenny was an avid hunter, fisherman, and boater. He loved all things outdoors, riding his Harley, puttering around on his tractor, and anything to do with electricity or solar power. He was a “jack of all trades”, there was nothing he couldn't fix or build. Most importantly, nothing took precedence over the love he had for his family. He looked forward to spending his summers at the cottage with family, and enjoyed every chance he had to be involved in anything his kids and grandkids had going on. He was so proud to be a Dad and Papa.
He is survived by his wife Charlene of Flowery Branch, GA, son and daughter-in-law Steven and Sarah of Henderson, NY, his two daughters and sons-in law Stefanie and Tyler of Watertown, NY, and Alecia and Drew of Hoschton, GA, and his seven beloved grandchildren Calleigh, Nathan, Addison, Courtney, Kaitlyn, Everleigh and Liam. He is also survived by a sister Ellen (Paul) of Lafargeville, NY, a brother Randy (Nancy) of Dexter, NY, a sister Laurie of Dexter, NY, a sister-in-law Cheryl (Rick) of Crescent City, FL, two aunts, an uncle, several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, mother and father- in-law Fiorino “Footie” and Joan Antonelli, a brother-in-law Mark Antonelli, and a sister Karlene, who died at birth.
Per Kenny’s wishes, there will be no services, but there will be a celebration of life, or as he put it "Just have a party for me" announced at a later time.
Donations can be made in Kenny’s name to the American Cancer Society or the Wounded Warrior Project to support veterans.
Braselton Funeral Home, 5257 Green Street Hwy 53, Braselton, Georgia 30517 is in charge of arrangements. Send on-line condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.