Robert L. Hanson

Robert L. Hanson, 74, of Kirtland, passed away March 12, 2011, at Golden Living Center of Western Reserve in Kirtland.Born March 9, 1937, in Cleveland, he had previously lived in Mentor, Wickliffe and Euclid, and had also resided in Munson Township for 30 years, prior to moving to Kirtland.Mr. Hanson was a Naval journalist, reporter for the Willoughby News-Herald, an investigator and supervisor for Retail Credit Company (now Equifax), and finished his career in sales.Robert Leon Hanson married Virginia Ruth Lombardo July 13, 1957, in Cleveland. She preceded him in death Nov. 6, 2004.Mr. Hanson was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He graduated in 1955 from Euclid High School, then joined the U.S. Navy, and was sent by the Navy to Northwestern University to attend their school of journalism. He was an avid sports fan, active in school fundraising activities and was keenly interested in current events. Survivors are his daughter, Laura (William) McKeown of Pittsburgh, Pa.; sons, Mark (Laura) Hanson of Potomac, Md., and Brian (Phyllis) Hanson of Mentor; grandchildren, Madison, Elise, Emily and Katherine Hanson, Anne and Michael McKeown; and sister, Dorothy Fern of Medina.He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Ruth Hanson; parents, Lester T. and Elizabeth A. (nee Babcock) Hanson; and brother, Donald Hanson.Private family graveside services will be held. The Rev. Henry Woodruff, PhD, retired will officiate.Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2011, at the Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., (Route 44, 500 feet south of Route 6/Chardon Square), Chardon. Burial will be in Fowler’s Mill Cemetery in Munson Township.