Hans Peter Ganzel

Hans Peter Ganzel of Hingham, formerly of Floral Park, Long Island New York, and Germany, joined his wife Theresa and son Peter on Saturday, May 4, 2024. He was 87 years old. 

Hans was born on the island of Foehr on July 30, 1936. He is the son of the late Johannes and Christina Ganzel. He is predeceased by his 2 brothers Max and Fritz. Survived by his sister Anke of Foehr, his granddaughter Amanda of Abington and many friends and extended family.

To know Hans, is to know his life story. He left home at the age of 14 and joined the Merchant Marine. He immigrated to the United States in his twenties where he met his beloved wife Theresa at the Plattdeutsche Park on Long Island. Together they raised their son Peter and lovingly cared for him when he was diagnosed with ALS. In 2020, they moved to Hingham to be close to their granddaughter and quickly made Linden Ponds their home. 

Hans was a man of many talents. He was an amazing self taught woodworker and played the tuba in the Foehrer Musik Freunde for many years. He enjoyed his time in upstate New York hunting with friends and was an avid fisherman.

Hans will be remembered by all for his genuine kindness, his strong demeanor, his witty sayings and his appreciation for everyone he met. Whenever someone asked how he was doing he would simply say “unkraut vergeht nicht” meaning “weeds don’t die”. There was no one quite like him in this world and he will be deeply missed by all who’s lives he touched. 

Amanda would like to thank Linden Ponds, especially Rose Court for their exceptional care for both Hans and his wife Theresa. Every single person made him feel like he was, in his words “royalty”. We are forever grateful for all of you. 

Per their wishes, following cremation, Hans’ ashes will be spread in the ocean along with his wife and son. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hans’ name may be made to St. Jude online at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html