Poultney – Richard E. Hanson Jr.

Richard E. Hanson Jr. 84, passed away Wednesday afternoon June 10, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born August 10, 1941 in Lawrence, KS the son of The Rev. Richard E. Hanson Sr., and Margery (Day) Hanson.

Dick was a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, class of 1959. He went on to receive his BA at Harvard College, class of 1963, and completed his MA at Teachers College, Columbia University in 1966.

Dick first worked as Assistant Headmaster at the Choir School of St. Thomas Church in NYC.

He then became ninth grade head and Chairman of the Upper Division at Shady Hill School, in Cambridge, MA. His first position as Headmaster came at Poughkeepsie Day School, in Poughkeepsie, NY. He followed that as Headmaster of Woodmere Academy and then the merged Lawrence Woodmere Academy in Woodmere, NY. His final position before retirement was as the founding Headmaster of The Weber School in Atlanta, GA.

He married Cheryl Jetto on October 11, 1980

Dick served as a board member of the Middletown Springs Historical Society, and as president of the Poultney Historical Society, as was his father. He was also a board member of the Poultney Downtown Revitalization Committee.

Dick is remembered as generous, compassionate and fiercely loyal. He was a strong supporter of the arts and often contribited his beautiful baritone to performances such as the Messiah and shaped note hymns. He relished the evening sun that lit the summer lawn, and laughed loudly and deeply. He was concerned about the wellbeing of others, and rarely ended a day without resolution.

He is survived by his wife Cheryl (Jetto) Hanson, of Poultney; his children Jennifer and Eric (Lina); grandchildren Alexander (Victoria), Morgan, and Leya; his sister Elizabeth Mellon (Allen); and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and by siblings Peter Hanson and Nancy Stevenson.

A private family gathering will honor Dick's memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Foley Cancer Center of RRMC, Rutland, Vermont and to VNA and Hospice of the Southwest Region.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Roberts-Aubin Funeral Home.