Russell A Hansen

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Russell A. Hansen, 71, died Friday, February 19, 2021 peacefully at his home in Iselin, NJ.

Russ was born on August 19, 1949 to Alfred and Cora Hansen in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and then Brooklyn College with a BS in Accounting. He married Linda Petersen on January 29, 1972. Together they had two daughters, Kathy and Joanne.

Russ and Linda moved from Brooklyn to their home in Iselin, NJ in 1976 where they resided for the past 45 years. He started his career as a CPA at PriceWaterhouse in 1971 and worked his way up to Vice President, Internal Audit at Sony Music. This provided an opportunity for him to travel the world and to experience all kinds of different cultures and foods. Russ also worked at CBS Inc., CBS Records and he retired as a Director at New Line Cinema. In “retirement” he worked part-time at H&R Block.

Russ was a lifetime volunteer, giving endless hours of his time primarily to Koinonia Lutheran Camp and Our Saviors Lutheran Church, where he served as Business Administrator and Treasurer to both. It was not uncommon for Russ to be the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. He was devoted to his faith and the organizations that became an important part of his life.

Russ enjoyed spending time with his family on vacations. They made wonderful memories on trips to Hawaii, Disney World, Disney cruises, Orange Beach, and most recently Alaska. He and Linda would take numerous trips to Aruba – that was their place. He was an avid coin and stamp collector and was always excited to share them with anyone who would listen. Russ loved hosting a good BBQ. He specialized in making sure the beverages were always stocked and chilled to perfection and always put on an entertaining firework display on the Fourth of July. Russ was not known for his athletic skills but never shied away from participating in any kind of sports related tournament or pool. He always approached things with a positive attitude, even in the last few years as his health was declining.

Russ was pre-deceased by his parents, Alfred and Cora Hansen, and his sister Barbara Cunningham. He is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Kathy Waddell and her husband Josh, along with their children Zack and Ryan of Bartlesville, OK, and his daughter Joanne Curcio and her husband Jamie, along with their children Maddie and Brandon of Middletown, NJ, and his twin sister Janet Reistad of Newburgh, NY. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, cousins and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 4pm to 8pm at Gosselin Funeral Home, 660 New Dover Road, Edison. There will be a private blessing at 7:30pm. There will be a private cremation.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Russ’ memory to Koinonia Lutheran Camp (www.koinoniany.org) or the Parish Nursing Program at Wallington Presbyterian Church "or a check can be mailed to Parish Nursing, 9 Bond Street, Wallington, NJ 07075."

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