Gerard John Hance, a dedicated public servant and beloved family man, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1, surrounded by his family. He was 92 years old and was predeceased by his cherished wife, Elizabeth (née Hornig).
Gerard was born in 1932 in Saint Albans, Queens, NY to the late John and Clara (Bailey) Hance.
He was raised in Floral Park, where he attended Sewanhaka High School and met the love of his life, Elizabeth. Gerard proudly served his country in the Korean War receiving the Combat Infantry Badge, and upon his return, he began his career in law enforcement as a patrolman with the Floral Park Police Department.
Gerard and Elizabeth were married in 1955 and began their life together there. He was promoted through the ranks to Chief of Police. As part of his continuing education in law enforcement, he was selected to attend the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, VA. Gerard was very active in Our Lady of Victory Parish, where he volunteered in the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus. He also served as the President of the Floral Park Little League.
In 1978, the family relocated to Trumbull, CT, when Gerard was appointed Chief of the Easton Police Department. He retired in 1995, and then he and Elizabeth moved to Ridgefield, CT.
Throughout his career, he implemented innovative safety and policing programs. Gerard was a member of the Exchange Club, The Police Anchor Club, American Legion, and the Connecticut Association of Chiefs of Police, among other organizations. He was a man of deep faith and was a devoted parishioner and volunteer at St. Mary Parish in Ridgefield.
Gerard enjoyed a long and active retirement, traveling with Elizabeth and cherishing time with family and lifelong friends. He was devoted to his family and wife, always putting their needs above his own.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Gerard was predeceased by his brother, Warren Hance, and his son-in-law, Chief John Roche.
Calling Hours will take place on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Saint Mary's Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will follow in Saint Mary's Cemetery; 110 North Street, Ridgefield.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: Catholic Charities of Fairfield County Development Office - 238 Jewett Ave; Bridgeport, CT 06606, http://www.ccfairfield.org or Meals on Wheels of Ridgefield - 25 Gilbert Street Suite 1; Ridgefield, CT 06877, http://www.mealsonwheelsofridgefield.org.