Claude Martin Hanfling

It is with great sadness that the family of Claude Hanfling announces his unexpected passing on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at the age of 54. Claude will be forever remembered as a devoted son, loving brother, affectionate uncle and faithful friend to so many. Claude Martin Hanfling was born on June 27, 1963 in Washington, DC and is the second child of Dr. Carl and Christine (Maurer) Hanfling. Claude was raised in Fairfax, VA where he graduated from WT Woodson High School in 1981. Following high school Claude attended James Madison University. As a child and adolescent Claude was a phenomenal tennis player winning many tournaments in the Mid-Atlantic Tennis Association. He also competed in many national championships achieving a national ranking in the top 50 at the age of 16. Claude played on the varsity tennis team at Woodson High School. He went on to play for the James Madison University tennis team where he was a scholarship athlete and helped the Dukes win the 1984 Colonial Athletic Association title. Following college Claude was a teaching tennis professional for many years at Mount Vernon Athletic Club in Alexandria, VA where he shared his love of the sport with students who became friends and whom he treated like family. Following his career teaching tennis Claude became a realtor and was held in high regard by his clients and other realtors. He had a passion for helping first time home buyers find the home of their dreams. In addition to his family and friends, whom he loved dearly, Claude’s next greatest passion was the game of golf. A gifted athlete, he naturally excelled at the sport and took to swinging a golf club with the same finesse with which he swung a tennis racquet. Claude’s lasting legacy is his love of family and friends, his heart warming smile, his sense of humor, his contagious laughter, his always positive attitude and never ending happiness. Left to cherish his memory are his parents Carl and Christine Hanfling of Springfield, VA; sister Geneva (Joe) Modrak of Rochester, NY; brother Brian (Mary) Hanfling of Alexandria, VA; nephews Max Modrak of Rochester, NY and Thomas Hanfling of Alexandria, VA; niece Colette Modrak of Rochester, NY; several aunts, uncles and cousins; as well as friends far too numerous to mention. A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Claude on Saturday, April 14th from 4:30 - 7 p.m. at The Country Club of Fairfax. Claude’s family is grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love, support and prayers. We will all miss Claude greatly and cherish his memory forever.