Obituary of Ralph Bruce Hanson

Ralph Bruce Hanson, 84, of Palm Bay, Florida, passed away on July 14, 2023.

Bruce was born on August 4, 1938, in Hyde Park, MA to Ralph Arthur and Sigrid Mabel (Bo) Hanson. He grew up in West Boylston and graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1955. He was stationed in Germany from 1961-1962 as a member of the Air Force National Guard.

Anyone who knew Bruce would describe him as outgoing, fun-loving, and gregarious. His ability to talk to people and put them at ease made him a very successful salesperson. After working many years for other companies, he opened his own tool wholesale business. He moved down to the Palm Bay area in 1989. Even in his eighties, he was still packing up his van and selling tools at nearby flea markets. Interacting with people kept him young.

Bruce was predeceased by his wife, Judith (McIntire) Hanson, and his son, Bruce A Hanson as well as his long-time girlfriend Margaret Fisher; his sisters Tina Ring and Thelma Haddad and son-in-law Kenneth Whapham.

He is survived by his sons Paul Hanson of Holden, MA, and Scott Hanson of Palm Bay; his daughter Julie Whapham of Hudson, MA; his seven grandchildren, Christopher Hanson and his wife, Shannon; Samantha Hanson-Rolt and her husband Matt; Jennifer Hanson, Alex Whapham, Jessica Whapham, Kacey Whapham and Emily Whapham; his three great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Caleb and Sawyer Hanson; and many nieces and nephews.