Michael T. Hanson
Michael T. Hanson passed away Friday, October 19, 2018 at his home in Highland Mills. He was 60 years old.
The son of John and Eileen Murphy Hanson, he was born June 14, 1958, in Brooklyn.
Mike was a retired NYPD Detective Specialist with 19 of his nearly 22 year career in Law Enforcement, assigned to the elite Emergency Service Unit.
Mike was accomplished within his field of work, including the development of N.Y. Search and Rescue FEMA team, teaching EMT school, developed gunshot wound management courses, AED education and implementation to all NYPD radio cars, countless Dignitary Protection operations, as well as other duties within the Emergency Service Unit.
Michael then worked for CTOS as an anti-terrorism specialist providing education to other first responders in various forms. He was part of the rescue teams for both the Oklahoma City Bombing (’95) and both World Trade Center Attacks (’93 and ’01).
Michael volunteered at the Woodbury Fire Department for 29 years and later served as their Safety Officer.
Mike was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Highland Mills where he was a Eucharistic Minister, Lector and Knights of Columbus member, as well as a M-W Youth Soccer Coach.
He was an avid guitar player and took great joy in singing and dancing wherever he was, making everyday a party and an adventure. Michael was a decorated, well-respected, dedicated police officer, community member, devoted family man and friend to all who met him. Mike will be fondly remembered as a kind, generous, incredibly intelligent, unselfish, eloquent and funny man who truly made this world a better place.
Survivors include his loving wife, Cathleen (nee Colombin); his three daughters: Lauren Hanson McGrady (Mark), Kaitlyn and Kerri Hanson. He will be remembered with love and laughter by his three grandchildren: Ryan, Bridget and Connor McGrady, many nieces, nephews and loving family members.
Mike was predeceased by his parents, his brother John and in-laws Richard and Betty Colombin.
Visitation was held Oct. 24 and 25 at Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home in Monroe.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 26 at St. Patrick’s Church.
Cremation will be held at Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope.
Memorial donations may be made to New York City PBA Widow & Children's Fund, 125 Broad Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10004
Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home (845-782-8185; www.ssqfuneralhome.com).