Robert W. Hansen

Robert Warren Hansen, a lifelong resident of Norwood, died Monday, August 11, 2014 at the Ellis Nursing Home. in Norwood.  He was 88.  Bob was born February 25, 1926, one of the seven children of Hans and Harriett (Lauritzen) Hansen, immigrants from Norway.  He graduated from Norwood High with the Class of 1943 and within a year joined the US Navy where he served as an Electrician’s Mate, 3rd Class in the South Pacific, and fought in the invasion of Okinawa. Bob enjoyed extensive travel in Europe, Australia, and throughout the United States.  In 1953 he opened his electrical contracting business, and in 1966 he incorporated the business as Robert W. Hansen, Inc, which he operated until his retirement in the 1990’s.  Bob’s hobby was buying and renovating houses from the 1800’s and early 1900’s.  Along with his business partner, he renovated three historical homes on Vernon Street in Norwood; 12 Vernon Street (The Verne Inn), 15 Vernon Street (The Lyman Smith House) and 98/100 Vernon Street (The Tyler Thayer House).  They also renovated the Hospital Pharmacy on Washington Street, and properties in Quincy, Natick, and Canton.  Bob was a generous man, both with family and friends, but also with his time as an electrical contractor, donating much time and material to the Lions Club, the Masons, the Orient Lodge Masonic Building, and the Town of Norwood.  He installed the wiring and chandeliers in the Chapel of Saint Gabriel at Highland Cemetery among other projects provided at no charge to the taxpayers. Bob was never married and was the last survivng of his brothers and sisters; Dorothy Harriet Hansen, Vivian Helen Spear, Marian Gertrude Hansen, Roy Howard Hansen, Jean Agnes Hansen, and Ralph Kenneth Hansen.  Visiting hours will be held Thursday, August 14th from 4 to 8 PM at the May Funeral Home, 85 Nichols Street, Norwood.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Friday at 10 AM at the Masonic Temple, 76 Day Street, Norwood.  Interment will be private.