Jeffrey Lynn Hanson

Jeff was born November 19, 1954 in Jamestown, NY to George W. and Grace Hanson, and graduated from Jamestown High School. After completing his Bachelor of Science degree with honors from SUNY Binghamton in 1977, he received his MD from SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse in 1981. Next was a residency at University of Connecticut’s Department of Family Medicine, which he completed in 1984 becoming board-certified in both family medicine and geriatric medicine.

Later in 1984, Jeff took over the practice of Dr. C.T. Andolina in Mt. Morris. The office had just one telephone, did not take appointments, and did not accept any form of payment besides cash. On his first day, there was a line of patients on the front porch when he arrived. Over the next 15 years, Jeff modernized the practice, grew it to three locations collectively known as Genesee Valley Family Medicine, and sold it to the University of Rochester in 1998. He was the doctor for thousands of Livingston County families until his retirement. In 2020, he thoughtfully transferred his patient base to a doctor he recruited to the practice, ensuring continuity of care in the post-Dr. Hanson-era.

Jeff taught and mentored dozens of doctors, inspiring many to follow his lead and pursue family medicine. His philosophy was simple: every appointment should have laughter, no matter how dire the diagnosis. Jeff often came home with unique appreciation gifts such as fresh garlic straight out of a patient’s garden, buckets of homemade Sunday Sauce, or platters of cuccidati cookies at the holidays.

Jeff’s medical contributions in the community stretched beyond the impact he made at his practice. He served on the Livingston County Board of Health for 22 years – eleven as president. For decades he served as the medical director for multiple nursing homes, Doctor for Geneseo Central School and as a clinical instructor for UR Medical School. Upon retirement, he was appointed Professor Emeritus at the University of Rochester, one of the highest honors that UR Medicine awards.

Professional accomplishments aside, Jeff’s favorite title was Dad. He was a devoted father to Ellie and Lyz, and raised his girls to have big, accepting hearts. He loved watching everything they did – from creating shows in the kitchen as little girls to playing games and making meals together as adults. And of course there were the family vacations to Cape Cod. He embraced the creativity of his daughters, who often created shows and games to entertain the family on those trips. The Hanson Jeopardy game included the seemingly endless category that was labeled “Annoying Stuff Dad Says.” Jeff was a competitive game player, and was notorious for “shooting the moon” when playing Hearts.

Jeff met Sarah Suppes in 2003 on a blind date. Even though Sarah lived in Boston, it quickly became clear they were meant to be together. They married in 2004. Their home in Pittsford became the site of much cooking and entertaining, including epic holiday parties. In addition to being co-chef for the parties, Jeff would circulate the amongst the crowd, introduce people with common interests, having a great conversation with every guest while ensuring they had enough food and drinks. Jeff and Sarah’s quiet times included tackling Sunday crossword puzzles, listening to music, and gardening. Jeff and Sarah traveled the globe – Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and more. Their most recent trip was to Alaska in June with Jeff’s mother, sister, and daughter Ellie.

Jeff was proud of his Swedish heritage and kept his family’s traditions alive. He made Swedish food – enjoying delicacies like pickled herring – and planted tubers each year passed down from his grandmother. He considered himself a “tough old Swede” – determined and stoic in the face of challenges, yet having a deep caring for family and home, all while being extremely thrifty. Jeff would never throw anything away: a discarded old piece of wood, an empty coffee can, a random item found in the yard. All might be able to be used in some new way, he thought. The coffee can tally reached 60 before Sarah put a stop to it.

He loved simple pleasures like sitting outside listening to the sounds of a summer night or dancing in the kitchen. He insisted on using paper maps instead of GPS, and had no use for frivolous buttons or extra sounds on electronic devices or in cars. He was a voracious reader of newspapers and magazines, and carried an incredible knowledge of random facts. Friends say he was Google before Google, and as such was everyone’s favorite trivia partner.

Jeff was a lover of great music, and a fierce dancer with a tight grip and wicked spin, which made dancing with him an aerobic endeavor. He loved a good story regardless of whether he was the listener or the teller. He was happiest when gathering with family and friends and sharing stories filled with laughter that ended with tears running down the cheeks.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Sarah Hanson; daughters, Ellie Hanson of St. Louis, MO and Lyz (Gage) Spahn of Rochester; mother, Grace Hanson of Lakewood, NY; sister, Debra Loomis (Linda Doverspike) of Jamestown, NY; brothers, Scott Hanson (Jere’ Dittrich) of Longmeadow, MA and Todd (Barb) Hanson of Busti, NY; seven nieces and nephews; three great nieces; and dozens of cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, George Hanson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 12. For information and to RSVP visit www.eventcreate.com/e/JHcelebration.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Dr. Jeff Hanson Memorial Scholarship Fund, which supports students pursuing a career in primary care. To participate visit www.racf.org/Hanson.

To share a memory of Jeff or send a condolence to the family visit www.anthonychapels.com.