Obituary of William J. Hanna Jr.

William J Hanna Jr, of Syracuse, died peacefully on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford, NY, with family by his side. He was 85 years old, born in Williamsport, PA on July 2, 1929, to William J Hanna Sr and Gertrude (Lennox) Hanna. He was married to the love of his life, Dorothy R Hanna, for 58 beautiful years before she predeceased him in 2010. He and his wife were inseparable and enjoyed the "snow bird" life, wintering in Estero, FL at Corkscrew Woodlands, but always looking forward to returning to Syracuse. He adored his family and loved spending time with them. His grandchildren affectionately called him "Hoppa." He was a Navy Veteran and had resided at the Veterans Home since September 2010. He was also predeceased by his brother, Edward and his niece, Kathleen Owens. Mr. Hanna studied at Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA and attended Syracuse University. He was a member of Liverpool-Syracuse #501, Free and Accepted Masons. He was known for his great voice and singing ability. He loved traveling, enjoyed people in general and his family in particular. He was a jogger, an avid outdoorsman, bicyclist and motorcyclist. Mr. Hanna was a grocer. He owned Bill's Market in Lyncourt, a family business that he bought from his father. Later, he worked for Wegmans, from where he retired. He was a self-taught and very talented meat cutter. He was known for his very congenial manner and was always smiling. He was a proud Navy veteran and served in the US Navy aboard the USS Sierra (AD-18, "The Ship with the Helping Hands") from 1950-1954 and was a Dental Technician. He was stationed at the Little Creek Amphibious Naval Base at Norfolk, VA. Mr Hanna is survived by his sister Gertrude Owens of Houston, TX, sons William J III (JoAnne), Thomas (Martha), both of Syracuse, and Timothy of Smithville Flats, grandchildren Kristyn Hanna, Kimberly (Jason) Rehm, Heather (Joseph) Zebrowski, Jeffrey, Johnathan (Kristen) and Benjamin Hanna great grandchildren Zakary Gorman, Ryan Bourlier, Hanna, Thomas and Austen Rehm, Adrianna "Addy" Zebrowski, numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, each of whom were "special" to him. Family and friends may call at Goddard-Crandall-Shepardson Funeral Home, 3111 James St, Syracuse, NY, on Thursday, May 21, 2015 from 4:00P-7:00P. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 22 at 1:00PM at Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 1700 Butternut St, Syracuse, NY, followed by interment at his wife's side, at Woodlawn Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the staff of the St Francis Adult Day Care Center (Syracuse) and New York State Veterans Home at Oxford for the exceptional and compassionate care that Mr Hanna received. Lifelong friendships have been made there with his caregivers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made, in Mr Hanna's name, to Clear Path for Veterans, 1223 Salt Springs Rd, Chittenango, NY, or to a charity of one's choice.