Dr. Herbert J., Hansen, Jr. of East Haven, Conn passed away on January 2, 2024. He was 76.

Dr. Hansen was a board-certified oncologist serving many communities over the course of his life. He started his career at Memorial Sloan Kettering hospital in New York City, then moved to Wareham, Massachusetts where he opened his own practice and settled with his family. He treated patients in surrounding communities including New Bedford, Falmouth, and Dartmouth. In the later years of his career, he served as a locum tenens physician in Cape Girardeau, MO, Newburyport, MA, Cape Cod, MA, and La Crosse WI. His job brought him a great sense of purpose as he continued to treat patients until very recently when he decided to retire. He was well liked by his colleagues and the many people he treated.

In his free time, he loved to cook, always pulling out recipes from books and magazines to save for family gatherings. He shared his enthusiasm for good food by preparing meals for the people he cared about.

He grew up in Clintonville, Wisconsin and had an adventurous spirit as a young man. He traveled to the Hindu Kush mountains in Afghanistan as a group medic and explored Japan and Russia via train. He also enjoyed fishing, and would take annual trips with his childhood friends to different lakes in Wisconsin and Canada.

New England also held a special place in his heart. He loved being near the water and was especially fascinated by the history of whaling in the area, keeping an impressive collection of scrimshaw art.

Above all, he had a keen interest in learning all he could about life and the world around him. He always had a wise anecdote (and/or witty joke) to offer, regardless of what was being talked about.

He will be missed dearly, but he has left a lasting mark on all who loved him.

He is predeceased by his father and mother, Herb and Pearl Hansen from Clintonville, WI.

He is survived by his daughter Laura Hansen and her husband, Matthew Kohler of Weymouth, MA, son Paul W. Hansen of Los Angeles, CA., sister Valerie Loock of North Carolina, nephew, Lance Loock of New York, niece, Sandra Loock and her husband, Zollie Kornegay of North Carolina, great nephew Julius Loock of New York, and partner Sylvia Chambless of Connecticut.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Dr. Herbert J Hansen Memorial Fund that supports the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.  Click here to donate.