Gilbert C. Hanse, former Babylon

He served as mayor for 31 years, the longest of any mayor in the history of the Village of Babylon. Gilbert C. Hanse died in his Babylon Village home September 5, 2004 after a long illness.

The Hanse family came to Babylon Village in the early 1930s when Gil’s father, F.R. Hanse, opened a hardware store on Main Street. After his father’s death, Gil managed the store with his mother, which enabled his four siblings to graduate from college. He graduated from Babylon High School, where he was a top athlete, and held the record for the 440-yard dash up until the early 1960s. He also achieved the highest honor in the Boy Scouts, the Eagle Scout Badge.

Mayor Hanse began his long and distinguished career with the Village in 1947 when he was elected Village Trustee and served for four years with Mayor Erastus Munson. He was elected mayor in 1951 when he ran against former Mayor J. Vincent O’Shea. He served until 1965, and then went on to become Babylon Town Supervisor. He returned to his beloved village in 1970, and served until 1987. He also served as Justice of the Peace for the Town of Babylon during this period and occupied high posts in government and politics as a Babylon Town Republican committeeman, and Town and County Republican leader. His heart was always his heart was in the Village, however said his family.

Orderly and regulated growth with a sound fiscal policy were major components of his administration. He formed the Village Planning and Zoning boards, started the tree planting program, the Babylon Village Historical Society and formed the Village Sanitation Department, which brought backyard pick-up to the area with the familiar pink and gray trucks. The elevation of the Railroad Crossing was implemented by the State while he was mayor, and perhaps the most significant project during his career in Village government was the purchase of the Babylon Village Pool from the Town of Babylon in 1949, now named the "Gilbert C. Hanse" Pool in his honor. The purchase cost was $45,000.

Mayor Hanse was most proud of his successful efforts to prevent the state from developing the Southard’s Pond property and creating a state park. Plans called for a connecting road from Belmont Lake State Park to Montauk Highway in Babylon Village, which would have brought a tremendous amount of traffic to the area. Mayor Hanse convinced Robert Moses, New York state Commissioner of Parks at the time, that the project was not in the best interests of the Village. Fortunately for the Village, Robert Moses agreed, and the Village secured a 99-year lease of the property for $1 per year.

Those who knew him described him as a "people" person and a "hands on" mayor. His door was always open to everyone. He loved to help people whether it was a small matter or of larger consequence. Countless men and women now serving in local, state and national government in elected and appointed positions got their start in public life with his assistance and support.

Syd Askoff, a friend of Mayor Hanse’s for more than 50 years, described him as a man who was always filled with optimism and who had no ego. "He was a wonderful person and a decent human being," said Askoff who attributes his personal success to Mayor Hanse. "He loved public service and never turned anyone away."

Isabel Gallagher, who founded the Babylon Village Beautification Society over 30 years ago spoke of Mayor Hanse’s cooperation: "He couldn’t have been more cooperative or encouraging," she said. "He played a vital role in our success while he was mayor."

Dr. "Mittie" Beyers, his life-long friend said, "Gilbert was my best friend. I’m sure hundreds of people considered him their best friend."

Babylon Village resident and former Suffolk County Executive Patrick Halpin recalls how he would frequently visit Mayor Hanse’s hardware store as a youngster. "He was one of those legendary figures that is part of the political landscape in the Village, the Town and the County," said Halpin. "If anyone ever wanted anything done, you went to Gil Hanse. He was a powerhouse and an elegant man."

A Democrat, Halpin said he was proud to have Mayor Hanse serve as a member of his administration’s county industrial development center. "His life was always about public service," said Halpin.

When Mayor Hanse became Suffolk County Republican leader, he appointed Leonard Wexler, now a federal judge, as the organization’s attorney, saying he needed someone in that position who knew and understood the laws governing political leaders and parties.

"He told me that if I ever saw or heard him do or say anything that was improper or illegal, I should tell," said Wexler.

At one of the first meetings of the county organization, Mayor Hanse was giving directions to some of the local leaders when Wexler asked him to step outside of the meeting with him. Wexler advised him that he had said something that was not legal. "He (Hanse) walked back into that meeting, told the group to disregard what he had just said," said Wexler. "He told them that I had explained to him that it was illegal and that ‘when the lawyer says it is illegal, we don’t do it because we will not do anything wrong under my leadership."

An avid golfer, Mayor Hanse was a long-time member of the Southward Ho Country Club, and was a long-time and active member of the Babylon Village Lions Club. He was a loyal and dedicated member of the Babylon Methodist Church and was on the board of the Industrial Development Agency and also of the Hewlett School of East Islip.

He recently celebrated his 70 anniversary with the Babylon Village Fire Department. Four department chiefs and Mayor Ralph Scordino came to his home to present him with a painting of the original Phoenix Hose Company truck which he drove so many years ago, and a proclamation honoring him for his long dedicated service with the department.

"We all mourn his passing," said Scordino. "he was a very devoted to Babylon and spent a tremendous pat of his life in community service—30 years as Mayor and 70 years with the Fire Department—and one can only imagine the influence Gil has on our community. He will always be remembered."

Gilbert C. Hanse is survived by his wife Elizabeth Lawton Hanse, and his children, Gilbert W. Hanse of Babylon, Richard K. Hanse and his wife Kathy of Northport, Kathy Jean Romanitch and her husband Bruce of Babylon and Norma Louise Bennett and her husband Richard of North Carolina and W. Lance Reinheimer of Babylon. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Firematic services were said at Chapey and Sons Funeral Home on Tuesday evening, September 7, 2004. His grandson, Rev, Richard Hanse, officiated at funeral services at the United Methodist Church of Babylon the following morning. Burial was in the Babylon Rural Cemetery. Those who wish to make donations in his memory may send them to the Good Shepherd Hospice, 655 Deer Park Ave., Babylon, 11702, or the United Methodist Church of Babylon, 21 James St., Babylon, 11702.