David William Hanright of Green Pond, NJ, sadly left us on Wednesday, October 25th, 2023,
just 2 days after his 94th birthday. He is predeceased by his parents Jenny (nee Smith) and
Charles Hanright, sisters, Audry Cedar, and Bernice Soleu. Given several nicknames throughout his life, he was affectionately known as: “Toe,” “Fuzz,” and most commonly “Pop-
Pop.”
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 68 years, Virginia (nee Welch). Cherished father to
Steven Hanright and his wife Marian of New Hartford, Ct, John and his wife Inger of Budd Lake,
NJ, William and his Wife Paula of Green Pond, NJ, and David Jr. and his wife Carol of Saco
Maine. Grandfather to Steven Jr. Hanright and his wife Heather, Patrick Hanright, Billy Hanright
and his wife Katrina, Tommy Hanright, Ryan Hanright, Matthew Hanright, Abbie Stern and her
husband Max, Eli Hanright, and Allie Hanright. Great-Grandfather to McKenzie Hanright and
Chloe Hanright. Family friend to Diana and Ray Gobeille. Uncle to many nephews and nieces.
Born October 23,1929, in West Orange, NJ, he was the youngest of 3 children and the only one
in his family to have been born in the US. After graduating from West Orange High School,
David joined the National Guard, and soon after was called into service by the US Airforce
during the Korean war. Stationed in Newfoundland, Canada, he was part of the “Pine Tree
Line,” a series of radar installations on the 49th parallel through Canada used for the US early
warning system. While serving, he met his future brother-in-law Doug Bird, who introduced him
to his wife’s sister, Virginia. The two fell in love and married in 1955.
After being honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant from the Air Force, he, and his service
buddy Cliff Morehead, opened M&H Television on Main Street in West Orange. His interests
quickly moved to his lifelong career in Environmental Testing where he worked for several
companies in product testing and environmental chamber manufacturing. During the 60’s he
was the Sales Engineer at a firm which landed the contract to test the “engine kill switch” that
was mounted on the landing feet of the Apollo Lunar Module.
David and Virginia bought their first home in Caldwell, NJ, where they raised their 4 children.
After a short move to Granada Hills California, they moved to their forever home in Green Pond,
NJ in 1969.
David had a life-long love of jazz music and began playing the trumpet at an early age, in the
footsteps of his father, who played the french horn in the Canadian Army throughout WW1. His
many exploits in jazz music had him play with bands and musicians including Woody Herman,
the New Jersey Jazz Society, and with his BFF Chuck Slate and his Traditional Jazz Band.
Chuck gave him the stage name of “The Velvet Frog” for his unique (almost) singing voice.
Later in life he could be heard playing at his favorite stomp at Hennessy’s Pub in Morristown,
and with “Dave’s Garbage Scow Band” that floated up and down Green Pond Lake in the
summer months.
Always known to possess a great sense of humor and quick wit, Pop was frequently heard
telling an inappropriate joke which generally went over like a fart in church, traits he
unfortunately gave to his children. You could often find him smiling, with a can of beer in his
hand, and an occasional shot of Scotch Whiskey (which is probably why he lived to 94). He was
a kind, gentle man, loving, and fun to be with. He will be sorely missed.
A proud member of the Green Pond First Aid Squad for many years, donations in his memory
can be made to the Green Pond First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 251, Newfoundland, NJ 07435
