GARY MAYARD HANSEN – Obituary
Gary Mayard Hansen of West Deptford on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. Age 72. Husband of 54 years to Susan Lee Hansen (nee Bracarello). Father of Sherry Hansen (Benny Colon) of Bridgeton, NJ and Michelle Hansen of Pitman, NJ. Grandfather of Chelsea Colon of Bridgeton, NJ. Son of the late Robert Hansen and Rosina Martello. Brother of Denise Pomelear of Norfolk, VA; Yvonne Pascal (Dave) of Elmer, NJ; Marchelle Gerlack (Frank) of Calcium, NY; Annette Noble of Fishing Creek, MD; Roseann Hansen of Nelsonville, OH; Patrick Hansen (Bill); and the late Robert Hansen, Thomas Hansen, Bruce Hansen, and Wayne Hansen. Brother-in-law to JoAnn Bracarello of Clayton, NJ; Nancy Hansen of Franklinville, NJ; Melody Montgomery of Franklinville, NJ; and William Montgomery (Cheri) of Glassboro, NJ. Uncle to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Born in Woodbury and raised in Glassboro, Gary was briefly a resident of Woodbury Heights before living in Clayton for 25 years. He later moved to Pitman for 25 years and was most recently a resident of West Deptford for the past 3 years. Gary proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1969 as a Supply Clerk and a Small Arms Specialist earning the rank of Sgt E-5 before his honorable discharge. While in the Army, he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal (Berlin), and a Good Conduct Medal.
In 1966, prior to his time in the US Army, Gary attended Atterbury Job Corp in Edinburg, IN to learn to be a Radio Repairman. He graduated from the Camden Police Academy in April of 1980, and, in 1982, he earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Law Enforcement Technology from Gloucester County College. Gary completed Basic Canine Training with his dog Shadow #19 in December of 1983. Throughout his education, he received numerous accolades, too many to mention.
Gary worked as a Metal Finisher for the 3M Company in Thorofare for 10 years after returning from military service. He was hired by the Clayton Police Department and worked for 22 years first as a Patrolman, then as Detective, and finally as Detective Sergeant with Internal Affairs before his retirement.
Gary was an avid slot player at the casinos. He liked to work around his home, especially the outside, and prided himself on keeping his cars looking their best. An enthusiastic VHS and DVD collector, his family called him the “Garybuster” instead of the Blockbuster. When he could, Gary sat down in his basement “man cave” and watched his military and action movies. He also loved to spend time with his family when he wasn’t working at the station. Gary loved taking his only granddaughter, Chelsea, to the park when he and Susan watched her during her preschool years and enjoyed her as she was growing up. She was their pride and joy.
Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Sunday, October 3, 2021, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Monday, October 4, 2021, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312. Funeral Service on Monday at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment Manahath Cemetery, Glassboro. Sign the guestbook at BarclayFuneralHome.net.
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