Long-Time Lower Makefield Police Officer Passes Away At 68

Obituary via Burns Funeral Home-Levittown:

John V. "Jack" Hansberry Jr., 68 died at home peacefully with his family by his side on March 16, 2017. Before moving to Sarasota, Florida, last year John and his family lived in the Levittown area for 65 years.

He and his wife of 50 years, Judy (nee DeWitt) have three loving sons, John V. III (Karen), Robert (Diane) and Michael. He is survived by a brother, William (Diane) and sister, Deborah Evans (Andy). His two grandchildren, Brittany Markiewicz(Joey) and John V Hansberry IV were the lights of his life. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles. John was thrilled that most of his relatives came to Florida to see him during his brief illness.

John’s parents, John Sr. and Frances, preceded him in death.

John graduated in 1966 from Woodrow Wilson High School in Levittown. He began his career as a Lower Makefield Township police officer in 1970. As an officer he rose through the ranks of the department to Lieutenant, until his retirement in 2010. He dearly loved Lower Makefield Township and the Yardley area. He was a well-known figure throughout the Bucks County police community for his work, which included CERT co-commander, K9 officer, firearms instructor, detective, juvenile officer and mentor and guide to many young officers.

In his more than 40 years working as a police officer, John watched Lower Makefield Township grow from a rural farming community into the lively residential community it is today. He always felt that because he loved his job so much that he never actually worked a day in his life.

John often stopped by the Yardley Wawa for early morning or late night coffee. He enjoyed sharing a conversation or the day’s news with the employees and the locals. There was always a fresh pot of coffee for John, even if he made it himself.

John loved the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. Win or lose, he was always a diehard fan. His love for sports led him to coach hundreds of boys in baseball and football. He coached for many years at Levittown International Little League, Levittown Babe Ruth and Immaculate Conception CYO Pee Wee Football. He was so happy to see many of his players go on to coach their own sons and several even became police officers. John not only taught athletic skills and sportsmanship but also life skills for the boys to use as they matured to adulthood. During his brief illness, John received many accolades through social media from the men he coached. These often brought a happy tear to his eyes.

Family and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Monday, March 27th from 6PM to 9PM at Burns Funeral Home, 1514 Woodbourne Rd., Levittown, 19057

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of John Hansberry to the Center for Childhood Communication Support Program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Checks made out to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia can be mailed to P.O. Box 781352 Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352. Gifts can also be made on line at www.giftofchildhood.org/donate. Please remember to write “in memory of John Hansberry” on the memo line or on the online form