Edward Hansberry
Age - 100
November 22, 2023
Edward H. Hansberry, age 100 of Atlantic City, NJ, a decorated WWII U. S. Marine Corps veteran, passed away September 22, 2023, after a brief stay in AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Atlantic City. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth "Bette" (nee Schilling) in 1997 and is survived by their 3 children, Bonnie (Rich) Tyson, Colleen (the late Jeff) Banasz and Brian (Denise) Hansberry; grandchildren: Jeffrey (Tara) Banasz, Lauren (Jeffrey, 'Murph") McCarthy, Jamie Hansberry, David (Paige) Hansberry, Tim (Sibelle) Hansberry, Mark (Kiran) Hansberry and Jenny (Katherine) Hansberry; 12 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Ed Hansberry was born in Atlantic City, attended area schools, was hardworking and had a passion for baseball. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 and entered the Pacific theater where he saw action on Eastern New Guinea, Cape Gloucester, Peleliu and Okinawa. Military honors include: 4 battle stars, Purple Heart and the Navy Cross which was received for "Extraordinary heroism while serving as Leader of an Engineer Squad. "He cleared a field of mines, 75 yards in length, crawling on hands and knees probing and uprooting hostile mines while under intense enemy machine-gun, rifle, and mortar fire to clear the path for a convoy of 1st Marine Division Sherman Tanks, contributing to the success of the Marines' mission. He was humble about his accomplishments and often expressed: "The real heroes never come home. "When he returned to Atlantic City in 1945, Hansberry resumed his passion for baseball, playing semi-professional ball with the Pleasantville A's and began a 28-year career with the NJ Division of Motor Vehicles. He retired in 1975 as Senior Inspector, NJ DMV Enforcement Bureau of Highway. He enjoyed settling into his role as a husband and eventually father of three children. He was a bit of a renaissance man; he seemed to be able to do, build or fix anything; well read - often encyclopedic about information. His command of "Title 39," the resource for motor vehicle and traffic laws in NJ, was legendary. It was common for local police and attorneys to seek information and advice from him. He was generous about helping others, whether a neighbor or stranger and supporting charities that helped veterans was important to him, and he did so by contributing to Disabled American Veterans. He loved sharing the seashore life with his family, fishing, swimming, and occasional trips to the area lakes which included great picnics. He loved homemade meatballs, especially Bette's and all forms of pasta. For many years, the flounder he caught filled the freezer to be prepared year-round for Friday night dinners. Hands down, his favorite dessert was ice cream, which he ate every night. He appreciated good music and movies, and all sports, even participating in Golden Gloves boxing in his early years. He was a lifelong fan of the Yankees and was an early and long-time season ticket holder for the Flyers. His greatest source of pride was putting his three children through college and their success. He derived immense joy from his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing 6:00-8:00 p. m. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, at EVOY-BANASZ FUNERAL HOME, 129 White Horse Pike, Haddon Heights, NJ. There will be a second viewing 9:30-10:45 a. m. Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 8501 Ventnor Avenue, Margate, NJ, where a Mass of Resurrection will follow at 11:00 a. m. His burial, with full military honors, will be in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans, c/o VA Regional Office, 20 Washington Place, Newark, NJ 07102 { www. DAV. org ]Show more
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