Obituary for Thomas Hansen
Thomas James Hansen, 61, of Simsbury, CT, passed away peacefully at home on September 1, 2022. Born March 11, 1961, in Hartford, CT, Tommy was the youngest child of Morton Carl Hansen and Joan Elizabeth (Liegeot, Hansen) Riley, of Simsbury. He is survived by a daughter, Claire Elizabeth Hansen (Gregory) Williams, and son, Sawyer Christian Hansen, both of Fayetteville, AR; his grandchildren, Gavin Isaiah Williams and Remi Claire Williams, of Fayetteville, AR; his mother Joan, his sisters, Joan (Christina) Naugle Hansen, Laura (Enos) Stevens, Sarah (Sanford) Tavelli, a brother, Charles Morton Hansen; and his nephews, Ian Hansen Stevens and Isaac Field Stevens; and also by Kate (Luke) Brown and Audrey Fleming. He was preceded in death by his infant son, John Christian Hansen, his father Mort, and his beloved stepfather, Donald George Riley.
Tommy grew up in Simsbury before pursuing a career in music. He married Jennifer Lynn Marrs on February 14, 1988, in East Hartland, CT. They had two children before moving to Arkansas. He lived briefly in Fayetteville and Durham, AR, and Asheville, NC, before returning to Connecticut.
Tommy was gifted with an unforgettable, soulful voice, and played both guitar and mandolin. He was a founding member of several bands including Mindwell Adams, Quervo Allstars, SilverStreet, and Federal Hill; and performed as a solo artist and guest artist with numerous others, including the Johnny Larsen Trio. During his 45-year music career, he wrote and arranged many originals, and his family would deeply appreciate copies of any of his music or performances his friends and followers might have.
In addition to his passion for music, Tommy loved to cook and was a chef for many years. He had an incredible tolerance for hot peppers, and his salads, shepherd’s pie, and spaghetti sauce were family favorites. But Tommy’s greatest pride was always his children and grandchildren.
An avid outdoorsman, Tommy loved to camp, spend time in the woods, and explore caves. At 14, he volunteered for a search-and-rescue with the Civil Air Patrol and remained an active and welcome participant due to his extensive knowledge of the area’s woods and mountains. He loved animals, especially his many dogs, had an uncanny understanding of weather and a wide-ranging expertise on numerous topics, which is one reason he was an avid Jeopardy fan and could solve any crossword puzzle. His happiest times were when he was with his children, on stage performing, singing casually with family and friends, or watching the Patriots win a football game.
In addition to his immediate family, Tommy also leaves his friend and former wife, Jennifer Hansen, his extended family, and many friends who were touched through the years by his beautiful voice and music. His children will always remember his big hugs, quick wit, and irreverent sense of humor.
A celebration of Tommy’s life is scheduled for December 18, 2022, at 2pm at Abigail’s Grille located in the old Pettibone Tavern in Simsbury, CT. In lieu of flowers, his children ask that you bless someone in his honor by leaving an extra generous tip for the next busker or local musician you see performing. If you feel called to do more, his children will be sponsoring a young person interested in studying music in his honor and contributions would be welcomed. Please visit Tommy’s Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
Tommy grew up in Simsbury before pursuing a career in music. He married Jennifer Lynn Marrs on February 14, 1988, in East Hartland, CT. They had two children before moving to Arkansas. He lived briefly in Fayetteville and Durham, AR, and Asheville, NC, before returning to Connecticut.
Tommy was gifted with an unforgettable, soulful voice, and played both guitar and mandolin. He was a founding member of several bands including Mindwell Adams, Quervo Allstars, SilverStreet, and Federal Hill; and performed as a solo artist and guest artist with numerous others, including the Johnny Larsen Trio. During his 45-year music career, he wrote and arranged many originals, and his family would deeply appreciate copies of any of his music or performances his friends and followers might have.
In addition to his passion for music, Tommy loved to cook and was a chef for many years. He had an incredible tolerance for hot peppers, and his salads, shepherd’s pie, and spaghetti sauce were family favorites. But Tommy’s greatest pride was always his children and grandchildren.
An avid outdoorsman, Tommy loved to camp, spend time in the woods, and explore caves. At 14, he volunteered for a search-and-rescue with the Civil Air Patrol and remained an active and welcome participant due to his extensive knowledge of the area’s woods and mountains. He loved animals, especially his many dogs, had an uncanny understanding of weather and a wide-ranging expertise on numerous topics, which is one reason he was an avid Jeopardy fan and could solve any crossword puzzle. His happiest times were when he was with his children, on stage performing, singing casually with family and friends, or watching the Patriots win a football game.
In addition to his immediate family, Tommy also leaves his friend and former wife, Jennifer Hansen, his extended family, and many friends who were touched through the years by his beautiful voice and music. His children will always remember his big hugs, quick wit, and irreverent sense of humor.
A celebration of Tommy’s life is scheduled for December 18, 2022, at 2pm at Abigail’s Grille located in the old Pettibone Tavern in Simsbury, CT. In lieu of flowers, his children ask that you bless someone in his honor by leaving an extra generous tip for the next busker or local musician you see performing. If you feel called to do more, his children will be sponsoring a young person interested in studying music in his honor and contributions would be welcomed. Please visit Tommy’s Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com