Mr. Robert Van Hanson Sr.

HANSON, Robert V. Sr, 92, of South Pasadena, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2014 in his home surrounded by his family. He moved to St. Petersburg in 1957 and was an automobile dealer for over 40 years, here and in Springfield, Illinois. He was born December 29, 1921. He graduated from Springfield (IL) High School in 1940 and from St. Petersburg College in 1995. He served his country during WWII as a B24 pilot and flew 35 sorties in the 15th Air Force while stationed in Venosa, Italy. Bob was an active member of the St. Petersburg Civitan Club, Past President and received the Four Chaplains Award in 2010. He was a longtime parishioner of St. John Vianney Catholic Church and served as head usher for many years. Former builder and owner of the Georgian (Page) Terrace and Satellite Motels in Treasure Island, FL and Past President of Treasure Island Chamber of Commerce. Former member for over 30 years of St. Petersburg and Pass-A-Grille Yacht Clubs, VFW (Post 39), Knights of Columbus (#2105), and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for over 65 years. One of his proudest memberships was in the United Flying Octogenarians (active pilots over 80 years of age). He was a life member of the 15th Air Force Association and Past Chairman of 485th Bomb Group Reunion Association and publisher (with his wife Lynda) of their annual news publication for many years. Bob enjoyed flying, exercising, walking, travelling, and attending USF and SPC as a senior student. Bob was predeceased by his wife, Lynda L Hanson neé Loper, on June 19, 2013. Survivors include his children, Robert Jr. (Donna), Pinellas Park, FL; Thomas (Kathleen), Chillicothe, OH; Russell (Renee), Port Orange, FL; John, St. Petersburg, FL; Paul, St. Petersburg, FL; Pamela Hanson (Dr. William O.) Phillips, Winter Springs, FL; Kathryn Hanson Carder, St. Petersburg, FL; Patricia Hanson (David) Brewer, Tampa, FL; 9 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the School Fund for St. John Vianney Catholic Church School, 445 82nd Ave, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706. A memorial gathering will be held on Monday June 23rd from 6 to 8 pm at Beach Memorial Chapel, St. Pete Beach. Memorial Mass 11 am on Tuesday June 24th at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, St. Pete Beach.