David Hansell, 79, Died; Air Force Veteran, “what Dave loved most was making people laugh.”
David Hansell, Age 79, passed away peacefully from natural causes in his home in Westport, Connecticut on Thursday, February 10, 2022.
Born on April 9, 1942 and raised in center city Philadelphia, Dave enlisted in the Air Force after graduating from West Catholic High School. From Wyoming to the Philippines, he completed his service honorably and upon discharge entered the Philadelphia Police Department. During this time, he joined the Masonic Temple in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania.
While working as a homicide detective, he met his future wife, Susanne, through mutual friends. They married on August 2nd, 1969. Dave transitioned into corporate security and worked for companies like American Express, Sun Oil, J&L Steel, and LTV Steel where he worked until his retirement. Throughout his career, Dave and Susanne moved from Philadelphia to New York and back to greater Philadelphia settling in their much-loved community of Pine Ridge in Media, where he also became involved in the Danish American Club.
The steel industry brought them to Pittsburgh and Cleveland, Ohio where they lived for many years in Avon Lake and North Olmsted. In retirement, they moved to the Chicago area to be closer to grandchildren, and it was at this time Dave became active in the American Legion in Mundelein, Illinois.
Dave had many passions throughout his life. He loved a good party and even moonlighted as an emcee at a local catering venue for a time. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed biographies, history, and crime stories. He liked going to the movies and playing video games. He was an avid roller skater and competed in pairs dancing events with his partner Linda for many years.
But what Dave loved most was making people laugh. No matter where he went, he was quick to crack a joke or tell a funny story; his humor did not require punchlines.
Dave is survived by his wife Susanne of 52 years, daughter Jennifer (Christopher) Conn, son David (Nora) Hansell, and grandchildren Zachary, Hannah, Sophie and Sally. He is also survived by his brother Ray (Mary Sue) Hansell and sister-in-law Connie Hansell as well as many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. Dave was a loving father, husband, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. A special thank you to VA Hospital of West Haven, Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County, and his nurse Karen for their care and support. There will be a small service for immediate family members. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to West Catholic Preparatory School, 4501 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19139 or the American Legion Post 867, PO Box 603, Mundelein, IL.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Showers likely, mainly before noon. Areas of fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Light south wind becoming southwest 11 to 16 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tonight
Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. West wind 6 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.
Tomorrow
A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Showers, mainly before 1am. Low around 37. Southwest wind around 11 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
“Today: We Are All Ukrainian”; Hundreds Attend Westport Rally
Hundreds attended a rally to support Ukrainian families and to condemn the war on their safety and freedom. Supporters lined the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge in a classic scene of Westport strength and unity as adults and children, residents and visitors, constituents and leaders raised their homemade posters, donned golden and blue colors, and shouted Slava Ukraini - Glory to Ukraine - together.
After a collective march up Jesup Road to Jesup Green, the crowds listened to speakers like Senator Richard Blumenthal, Representative Jim Himes, President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of American Jaroslaw Palylyk, and Ukrainian Westporters Stephan Taranko and Mark Yurkiw. A common theme amongst the men was the absolute condemnation of Russia and its actions against Ukraine, including discussions of boycotting all Russian products and businesses serving Russia - such as crude oil, exported goods, and even Coca Cola products.
Despite the hatred that was the catalyst for such a demonstration, the crowd of strangers shared a sense of love through tears and with cheers as one person after another described feelings that are collectively felt by all human beings around the world.
Westporter Stephan Taranko spoke about his own childhood and family history - connecting with every adult and child in the crowd through his words about today and our history. “History is especially cruel when it repeats itself” he said into the microphone before he continued to describe today’s images of war. “I see the young mother with tears streaming down her cheeks trying to get her most precious possession, her baby, onto the train to safety. She does not care for her life, her only concern is for the safety of her child. That image does not fail to bring tears to my eyes and the question ‘chomu?’ - Ukrainian for ‘why?’”
He continued to speak about his mother, and all mothers: “You are amazing.” he exclaimed, “not only did you get each and every one of us into this world, but you nourished and protected us.”
All images by WestportLocal.com. Click on images to expand gallery. 
In their Own Words: Ukrainian Rally Speakers
Click below to listen to each of yesterday’s speakers address the crowds in support of Ukraine. Represenative Jim Himes
Westporter Stephan Taranko
UCC President Jaroslaw Palylyk
Westporter Mark Yurkiw, followed by an ending remark from Darcy Hicks
Senator Richard Blumenthal