Philip N. Hanson Jr.
NAPLES/CASCO — Philip Norman Hanson, Jr. passed away at the Highlands in Topsham, Maine on Thursday, July 18, 2024.
Phil was born on March 2, 1944, to Philip Norman Hanson Sr. and Mary (Ricker) Hanson. He attended Westbrook High School. After graduating, he went to Northeastern University for two years after which he entered a four-year apprenticeship program at Pratt & Whitney.
In 1975, Phil partnered with Reb Industries and founded Yankee Machine, Inc. in Casco, Maine which he successfully owned and operated for 45 years.
Upon meeting Phil, if you asked him “How are you doing?” his famous response was always “Better than an old cutter.” Phil loved a good joke, a tasty cc and ginger, tinkering on his Model As and he especially loved his camps in Eustis. He would usually be seen sporting a cap with a saying, “I’d Rather be in Eustis,” “Older than Dirt” or “Old Fart.”
Phil was a motorcycle enthusiast for most of his life. He enjoyed snowmobiling especially at his camp in Eustis, loved his John Deere tractors and was an avid antique car collector which he spent many hours restoring.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and belonged to the antique car club MOALS.
Phil raised three daughters Constance, Deborah, and Cheryl but his greatest joy came in 1979 when his son Philip Norman Hanson III was born. When Philip was old enough, Phil bought a sidecar and he and his wife Nancy enjoyed many years touring around the state with their son. Philip III worked alongside his father at Yankee Machine for over 20 years.
Phil is survived by his son, Philip III of Naples, his daughters Constance (Curtis) Eldridge of Naples, Deborah Berlant and Cheryl Campbell, his sister Carole Hanson of Damariscotta, brother-in-law John Kruger of Windham, seven grandchildren, Kiersten Eldridge, Kari Eldridge, Philip Hanson IV, Shannon Hanson, Hayden Hanson, Michael Philip Berlant, Lora Campbell, and longtime friend, Tina.
He is predeceased by his parents, his stepmother, Elizabeth (Betty) Hanson, his sister Norma Jeanne Kruger and his grandson Keegan Curtis Eldridge.
Our family will have a small celebration of life at a later date. If you are interested in attending, please reach out.