With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Thomas Hansen was a blessing to everyone he met. He knew what it meant to work hard, but he played hard, too, and he lived each day to the fullest. Tom was so proud to witness his family tree blossom to include the branches of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who made his heart sing. It was always hard to know if he was being serious since he was famous for kidding around – all in the name of fun. Although he will be deeply missed, Tom leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on.The year 1917 is often remembered as the year that our nation engaged in WWI. Although we had hopes of remaining neutral, President Woodrow Wilson was left with no choice but to respond to the repeated acts of hostility in the Pacific. This same year was a year to remember in the lives of Harry C. and Grace Marie (O’Malley) Hansen, but for a much different reason as it was on December 10th that year that they announced the birth of their new baby boy. Born in Martin’s Ferry, Ohio, Thomas E. was one of three sons in his family and raised in the family home alongside his brothers, Henry and Gerald. In many ways Tom was a typical young boy of his generation.Although WWII had been raging on since 1939, it wasn’t until the vicious attack on our naval base in Pearl Harbor that America became involved. As a young man, Tom answered the call to serve his country during this time as a member of the United States Coast Guard. This was an important part of Tom’s life, and he took great pride in providing surveillance of New York Harbor to protect against German submarines. While in the military, his company was also an integral part of assisting families in the New York City area with various emergencies.New and exciting changes were in store for Tom when he met the young girl of his dreams. Her name was Elizabeth Jean, and it wasn’t long after meeting that they fell deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Tom and Elizabeth were married. Together they were blessed with the births of two sons, Thomas and Robert. They were also parents to a daughter, Judith, but sadly she died as an infant. To support his family, Tom worked as a millwright in the tin mill at J&L Steel, Aliquippa Works until retiring.Throughout his life, Tom was all about family. He was an active part of his sons’ lives. Like many local parents, he was there for each and every one of their Little League, softball, and college football games. Tom umpired for Little League baseball when his son, Tom, was playing, and he coached when his younger son, Robert, was playing. Later in life he also attended all of the games that his son, Tom, was coaching.Tom was known for his love for hunting and bred and raised beagle hunting dogs. He was more than willing to go fox hunting with the neighbors and also enjoyed coon hunting with his son, Robert. In fact, Tom was such a devoted hunter that he once went hunting on the day after Thanksgiving in three feet of snow after letting the air out of his tires and covering them with chains. Bound for Kane, Pennsylvania, which was more than 130 miles from Monaca, the weather was not going to stop Tom!In addition to hunting, Tom kept busy with some other interests. Within his community he was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church where he faithfully served as an usher for over 70 years. In addition, Tom was a life member of Monaca Turners, a former member of the Beagle’s Club in Darlington, and enjoyed hunting in Tionesta. It was easy to see that he loved gardening, and he raised the most amazing tomatoes and also had rose bushes and peaches from the peach trees in his yard. Tom once put fertilizer on the neighbor’s garden, and when the plants took off he told the neighbors that he had watered their plants with “holy water.”Tom’s passion for hunting remained with him for his entire life. When he knew the end was drawing near with his family gathered around him, he wanted to know if Bob got a buck this year. When Bob assured Tom that he did, he wanted to know how many points it was.With unending love for his family and friends, Thomas Hansen was the heartbeat of wherever he went. He loved goofing off and was known for his stories, especially about his passions, hunting and going to the mountains. Tom loved to have fun, and once his hearing left him he had a special form of sign language to communicate with his friends. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.Thomas E. Hansen died on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. Tom’s family includes his two sons, Thomas G. (Amy) Hansen and Robert P. (Trudy), all of Brighton Township; five grandchildren, Thomas G. (Amy) Hansen, Jr., Eric J. (Tracy) Hansen, Judith A. (Chris) Rice, and Nicole J. (Ronald) Varga, and Robert P. (Bange) Hansen, Jr.; 13 great-grandchildren; and loving friend and caregiver, Tina Merritt. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Jean, on January 13, 2010; an infant daughter, Judith; a daughter-in-law, Carmella Hansen; and two brothers, Henry Hansen and Gerald Hansen. Friends will be received Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in the Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where parting prayers will be offered Saturday at 9:15 a.m. followed by full military honors by the Beaver County Special Unit at 9:30 a.m. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Monaca. Rev. Fr. Michael Ruffalo will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com