Joseph T Hanson
Joseph T. “T is for Tough” Hanson was born on October 11, 1967, and passed away on September 24, 2026, following his seven-year battle with cancer. But he definitely gave cancer a fight like no other. He faced his illness with incredible strength and determination, battling until the very end, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.
Joe grew up in South Weymouth, the fourth of eight children born to Mary and Jack Hanson. He was the proud father of Amanda Hanson Spavento and her husband, Derek, of Middleboro, and Hunter Hanson of Nahant. He was also the proud grandfather of Aaliyah and Carter Spavento.
Joe is survived by his four sisters and three brothers: Mary Curtin and her husband, Jamie, of Abington; Jay Hanson and his wife, Karen, of Norton; Paul Hanson of Holbrook; Terri Wilkinson and her husband, Doug, of Abington; Michael Hanson and his wife, Laura, of Marshfield; Jenn Hanson and her fiancé, Matt Ferreira, of Abington; and Holly Joyce and her husband, Mike, of Whitman. Joe is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends, including his lifelong friend Michelle Bezanson of Braintree as well as Sean Ready of Holbrook, who was more like a brother than a friend.
Joe was a graduate of Weymouth Vocational High School, Class of 1985, and a retired 40-year member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 17, where he was a true legend among his fellow union members. He worked countless jobs alongside many of his union brothers and sisters and was always happy to remind anyone who would listen that he helped build Boston into what it is today, proudly pointing out the many buildings he had worked on.
Joe will be remembered for his witty sense of humor and kind heart. Joe knew how to make an entrance and make people laugh. He could be funny, stubborn, unpredictable, and completely unapologetic about being himself. But underneath it all, he had a warm heart and was loved by many.
Joe looked at life as one big party and was always having fun. He lived life with no regrets. Joe lived by his own rules, usually without much fear of the consequences. It was simply part of what made Joe, Joe. He lived his life his way and fought until the very end the same way he lived: with determination and on his own terms.
Joe loved all New England sports, especially the Boston Bruins. He loved Halloween and went all in on his costumes, with the Tin Man and Darth Vader among his greatest hits. He enjoyed weekend getaways at Loon’s Haven Family Campground on Tricky Pond in Naples, Maine, where you could usually count on hearing AC/DC playing loud enough for everyone to enjoy. He also loved his dog, Blue, his loyal companion and buddy.
Joe leaves behind countless stories, plenty of laughs, and memories that his family and friends will carry with them forever. He will be missed by all who were lucky enough to cross paths with him.
A funeral service celebrating Joe’s life will be held on October 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Francis Xavier Church, 234 Pleasant Street in South Weymouth. Immediately following, family and friends are invited to a celebration of Joe’s life at the Knights of Columbus, 25 Chauncy Street in South Weymouth.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to Croi Health, Barbara and Pat Roche Hospice Home in Hingham, whose compassionate care provided comfort during his final days.
Donations in Joe’s Memory:
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