Timeline for John A. Hangasky Jr.
Born: June 27, 1952
Died: May 20, 2023
John A. Hangasky Jr, 70, of Ludlow, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Born in New Haven, CT on June 27, 1952, he was the son of the late John A. Hangasky Sr. and Theresa (Oswald) Hangasky. John was a member of the graduating class of 1970 from East Haven High School. He received his Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees from the University of Bridgeport. He attended the Essex Community College Physician Assistant program in Baltimore, MD and became a Certified Physician Assistant in 1980. He helped establish the Physician’s Assistant program at Springfield College, serving as the program’s first director, retiring in 2018 as Professor Emeritus. He was a Distinguished Fellow of the Academy of Physician’s Assistants. John coached in the Ludlow Youth Football program and was a longtime youth and high school baseball umpire and dedicated member of the former St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Ludlow. He loved his morning coffee, traveling both nationally and internationally with Suzanne, researching his ancestry, was an avid fan of the NY Giants. Above all else, he loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
John is survived by his wife of 41 years Suzanne (Phillips) Hangasky of Ludlow, his son John A. Hangasky III and his wife Erica of San Francisco, CA; his daughters Elizabeth Gelinas and her husband William of East Longmeadow; Lauren Manuel and her husband Beau of Ludlow; and his sister Theresa Hangasky of East Haven, CT. He also leaves his grandchildren Alexia, Ivy, Theo, Faye, Landen, Oakley and Morgan, as well as several cousins.
Visiting hours for John will be Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home, 64 Sewall St. Ludlow, MA. Family and friends are invited to gather for John’s funeral service at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 26, 2023 in Family Church, 123 Hubbard St., Ludlow, MA. Burial will follow in Island Pond Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the John and Suzanne Hangasky Scholarship Fund for Physician Assistant students, Springfield College, 263 Alden St., Springfield, MA 01109.
I just heard of John's passing from a mutual friend Randy in San Francisco. We had great times together with John and our U.B. group of dorm friends. I'll always remember John's determination to do well in college, and he certainly proved that with his proven career accomplishments. We took a trip together years ago to U.B. fun time! Rest in peace, my good friend... Bill
May fond memories keep John alive in all our hearts. Mother in law of Liz, I am always included in family events and with John around, he always made me feel welcome, getting a warm hug, and shared engaging and fun conversations. You will be missed by many John, but you are at peace and will never be forgotten.
Dear Suzanne and Family, Patrick and me are so deeply sorry about loss of this wonderful man, intuitively conscientious teacher , kind and humble person. He made a tremendous impact on our life and left this life too soon. Love and prayers.
So many great memories of wrapping paper fights, fake dog barking, playing tennis and John’s brown decor apartment wish the huge fish tank in Maryland. First time visiting the Baltimore/DC area with Sue and John. John will be greatly missed
My deepest sympathy to Suzanne, Jay, Liz and Lauren. He was a kind special person gone too soon. Wishing you peace and comfort now and in the days to follow.
Dear Suzanne and family, I am soo sorry to hear of John’s passing!! I’m sure he will be missed dearly. You are in my prayers as you are walking through these days of grief, be comforted by the spirit of the Lord who is always with you holding you dearly in His loving arms. I am single and living in Williamsburg. I would love to hear from you when the time is right for you. God’s peace be with you at this time.
Dear Sue and family I was really sad to hare that John had passed away he was a great man and will be missed by many. I'm so sorry for your loss with lots of love
Dear Suzanne and Family, Rick and I were devastated to learn of John's passing. Please know our prayers and love are with you all. Colette
We are saddened to learn of John's passing. Our heartfelt condolences to the family. You are all in our prayers.
My deepest condolences to Suzanne and her family. So sorry for your loss.
So sorry to John's family. He was one of those few professors who left such a strong impression on me. I remember him so well, even all these years later (SC PA class of 2000). His legacy will live on not only in his family and friends, but in all of us he trained to heal others.
Suzanne so sorry for your loss he will surely be missed by all who loved him. sincerely colleen and carol glancey
My deepest sympathy to the family. John was a Springfield Colleague who gave much to his students and could always be counted on for integrity and high standards. It was my pleasure to work with him.
John was always more than kind to me. May God carry his soul to a peaceful rest.
Professor Hangasky was truly one of a kind. He was a rare spark in life that molded me into the PA I am today. He was one of very few people who believed in me when most everyone thought I could never become a PA. He was vital to the PA program at Springfield College. I will never forget one of his favorite lines - “Clear? Clear as mud?” as he would say to us during class. He kept us laughing constantly. I feel blessed and lucky to have known him. Rest my friend. You will always be remembered. Joanna Welch PA-C (Case, class of 2010)
John was a second dad to me growing up! Taught me how to tie a tie right and also how not to wear a hat in his house! Lol. Incredible man, incredible family. My deepest most heartfelt condolences.
Professor Hangaski was someone no one will ever forget. He challenged us and molded us into providers that provide care at the highest level. With the importance to detail he ensured our patients would get excellent care. Through his work he has indirectly touched and cared for hundreds of thousands of patients in the community. For me John was the goal. He’s the clinician and academic I wanted to be. With our daily ad hoc trivia quizzes to his guidance he will always be near a dear to my heart Please know I am only one of hundreds who I am sure feel the same. I hold my stethoscope towards the sky today. You will be so very missed
I can never fully express appreciation for the kindness shown to me by John. His memory will live on in his amazing family and everyone he impacted in his life. My deepest condolences to Suzanne, Jay, Liz, and Lauren.
May this candle light your way
My condolences Suzanne and family in this sad time. John was a great person and will be missed. My prayers are with all of you. Mira
Date: Thursday, May 25, 2023
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Date: Friday, May 26, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm
Date: Friday, May 26, 2023
Time: 2:00 pm
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the John and Suzanne Hangasky Scholarship Fund for Physician Assistant students, Springfield College, 263 Alden St., Springfield, MA 01109.
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Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.
I just heard of John's passing from a mutual friend Randy in San Francisco. We had great times together with John and our U.B. group of dorm friends. I'll always remember John's determination to do well in college, and he certainly proved that with his proven career accomplishments. We took a trip together years ago to U.B. fun time! Rest in peace, my good friend... Bill
May fond memories keep John alive in all our hearts. Mother in law of Liz, I am always included in family events and with John around, he always made me feel welcome, getting a warm hug, and shared engaging and fun conversations. You will be missed by many John, but you are at peace and will never be forgotten.
Dear Suzanne and Family, Patrick and me are so deeply sorry about loss of this wonderful man, intuitively conscientious teacher , kind and humble person. He made a tremendous impact on our life and left this life too soon. Love and prayers.
So many great memories of wrapping paper fights, fake dog barking, playing tennis and John’s brown decor apartment wish the huge fish tank in Maryland. First time visiting the Baltimore/DC area with Sue and John. John will be greatly missed
My deepest sympathy to Suzanne, Jay, Liz and Lauren. He was a kind special person gone too soon. Wishing you peace and comfort now and in the days to follow.
Dear Suzanne and family, I am soo sorry to hear of John’s passing!! I’m sure he will be missed dearly. You are in my prayers as you are walking through these days of grief, be comforted by the spirit of the Lord who is always with you holding you dearly in His loving arms. I am single and living in Williamsburg. I would love to hear from you when the time is right for you. God’s peace be with you at this time.
Dear Sue and family I was really sad to hare that John had passed away he was a great man and will be missed by many. I'm so sorry for your loss with lots of love
Dear Suzanne and Family, Rick and I were devastated to learn of John's passing. Please know our prayers and love are with you all. Colette
We are saddened to learn of John's passing. Our heartfelt condolences to the family. You are all in our prayers.
My deepest condolences to Suzanne and her family. So sorry for your loss.
So sorry to John's family. He was one of those few professors who left such a strong impression on me. I remember him so well, even all these years later (SC PA class of 2000). His legacy will live on not only in his family and friends, but in all of us he trained to heal others.
Suzanne so sorry for your loss he will surely be missed by all who loved him. sincerely colleen and carol glancey
My deepest sympathy to the family. John was a Springfield Colleague who gave much to his students and could always be counted on for integrity and high standards. It was my pleasure to work with him.
John was always more than kind to me. May God carry his soul to a peaceful rest.
Professor Hangasky was truly one of a kind. He was a rare spark in life that molded me into the PA I am today. He was one of very few people who believed in me when most everyone thought I could never become a PA. He was vital to the PA program at Springfield College. I will never forget one of his favorite lines - “Clear? Clear as mud?” as he would say to us during class. He kept us laughing constantly. I feel blessed and lucky to have known him. Rest my friend. You will always be remembered. Joanna Welch PA-C (Case, class of 2010)
John was a second dad to me growing up! Taught me how to tie a tie right and also how not to wear a hat in his house! Lol. Incredible man, incredible family. My deepest most heartfelt condolences.
Professor Hangaski was someone no one will ever forget. He challenged us and molded us into providers that provide care at the highest level. With the importance to detail he ensured our patients would get excellent care. Through his work he has indirectly touched and cared for hundreds of thousands of patients in the community. For me John was the goal. He’s the clinician and academic I wanted to be. With our daily ad hoc trivia quizzes to his guidance he will always be near a dear to my heart Please know I am only one of hundreds who I am sure feel the same. I hold my stethoscope towards the sky today. You will be so very missed
I can never fully express appreciation for the kindness shown to me by John. His memory will live on in his amazing family and everyone he impacted in his life. My deepest condolences to Suzanne, Jay, Liz, and Lauren.
May this candle light your way
My condolences Suzanne and family in this sad time. John was a great person and will be missed. My prayers are with all of you. Mira
Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.