A nice, caring and family-oriented man who enjoyed people
N
ORTH READING — D. Barry Hanson, 73, of North Reading, formerly of Wilmington, passed away on January 26, 2022, at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington following a brief illness.
Barry was born on October 4, 1948, in Melrose; he was the cherished son of the late William D. and Norma M. (Moore) Hanson. Barry was raised in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1966.
Following graduation, Barry enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on June 14, 1968, in Boston. Barry served overseas in Vietnam for one year; he earned a few distinguished medals including the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnamese Service Medal. On June 2, 1970, Barry was honorably discharged from Beaufort, S.C., and returned home to his family.
Barry met the “love of his life,” Patricia F. (Sykes) Hanson and they were married in 1970. They lived in southern New Hampshire for a few years before settling in North Reading. Barry and Pat had three boys, Brian, Chris and Craig; Barry was a devoted father who enjoyed spending time with his boys. Barry was excited to become a “Grampy” to Madeline, William, Shea and Lindsey.
Barry worked as an investment agent in the financial field. He enjoyed working with clients and helping them to plan for their future. Barry made many friends throughout his career; he was well-respected among his colleagues and vendors. While working, Barry returned to school at New Hampshire College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.
Barry’s true passion was softball; he played from a young age up until last year. Barry started his baseball/softball career in Wilmington, where he played for the Little League teams, Wilmington High School and after graduation, the Class of ‘66 softball team. Barry participated in many Memorial Day tournaments at the Town Park, where he made many fun memories with friends. Barry’s softball career continued with the Merrimack Valley Senior Softball Association. He really enjoyed the games and friends he made while playing in this league.
In his spare time, Barry loved to try his luck at the slot machines. He traveled to Foxwoods, Atlantic City and most recently, Encore in Everett. Barry liked to relax and try to beat the slot machines.
Barry will be remembered for his personality; he was a nice, caring guy who really enjoyed people. He will be missed by his family.
Barry was the beloved husband of Patricia F. (Sykes) Hanson. Devoted father of Brian Hanson and his wife Amy of Charlotte, N.C.; Chris Hanson and his wife, Andrea, of North Reading; and Craig Hanson and his wife Michelle of Rowley. Loving “Grampy” of Madeline, William, Shea and Lindsey. Cherished son of the late William D. and the late Norma M. (Moore) Hanson; dear brother of Gail St. Onge and her partner, Colleen Casper, of Dracut; the late James Hanson and his wife, Beverly, of Andover; loving brother-in-law of Carol and Paul Starner of Salem, N.H.; Penny and Bob Deschene of Pelham, N.H.; Bob Sykes and Mary Addis of Mount Vernon, Ohio; and the late Brenda (Sykes) Murphy and Frank Murphy of Pelham, N.H. Barry is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
At the family’s request, funeral services for Barry will be private.
Memorial donations in Barry’s name may be made to Tufts Medical Center Development Office, Attn: Department of Nephrology, 800 Washington Street, #231, Boston, MA 02111.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., Wilmington. To send an online message of condolence please go to: www.nicholsfuneralhome.com. 