Owen F. Hansberry, commander of the James E. Coffey Post 3, American Legion, passed away on June 9, 1970 after only one month in office.
IN MEMORIAM, FROM THE JUNE ISSUE OF THE COFFEY CUP POST NEWSLETTER
The flag at post headquarters has been lowered to half staff in honor of our departed comrade and Commander, Owen Hansberry.
In late 1945, this native son of Nashua was discharged from the US Army after having served three years during one of the world's most trying times. His discharge, however, did not end his duty to his God or his Country.
Owen Hansberry joined the American Legion in 1946 and if any words can describe his attitude toward his fellow man or to The American Legion, they are the words of the Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion.
"...; To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state, and nation; ...; To promote peace and good will on earth; To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principals of justice, freedom, and democracy; To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness."
Owen listened when, during his initiation ceremony, , Cdr. Bastille charged all of the new members to the James E. Coffey Post in the following manner:
"The American Legion cherishes four great principles: Justice, Freedom, and Democracy, and Loyalty. It pledges service to the disabled, the distressed, the widowed, and the orphaned. The cause of The American Legion (service to the community, state, and nation) is jealousy guarded and opportunity to serve is offered to all of its members..."
Then he went out and practiced. For almost 25 years Owen practiced as a good legionnaire and when the time came, he was ready as a man, as a husband, as a father, as a veteran, and as a leader.
Six years ago, Owen had been nominated for Vice Commander but was forced to withdraw from the election because his health would have prevented him from serving his post as he knew it should be.
Only a short year ago, Owen was elected Sr. Vice Commander. In this position, he served his commander and every member of the Post. As Membership Chairman he worked hard to increase the membership of his post to a point where by last month his post had become the largest in the Department---the first time that the James E. Coffey Post ever attained this honor. As Sr. Vice Commander, Owen prepared for his ascension to the post of Commander. He prepared for the convention (his convention) and he looked forward to his post being the home post for this year's Department Commander. Yes, Owen Hansberry did his job well. Then, suddenly, another Commander needed his help in Post Everlasting---and our Commander answered this call as he had answered all calls for help and assistance.
Yes, the flag at Post HQ is at half staff in memory of our departed Cdr. It represents the sorrow of a membership that can no longer enjoy the camaraderie of a well liked member who had kindness and respect for all mankind. It represents the willingness of a membership to continue his philosophy. It represents a sad farewell to a good Legionnaire and a good man.
Link to Nashua Telegraph archive obituary of Owen F. Hansberry.
https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2ZgrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pPUFAAAAIBAJ&pg=...
On 16 June 1970 The Coffey post held a special election meeting and elected Sr. Vice Commander Ernest Ledoux to succeed deceased commander Owen Hansberry.
At the regular meeting of 7 July 1970 the post members elected Roland Brisson to replace Ernest Ledoux as Sr. Vice Commander and Andrew La Flamme was elected Treasurer to replace Roland Brisson.
Other officers for 1970-71 are:
Commander: Ernest Ledoux
Senior Vice Commander: Roland Brisson
Jr. Vice Commander: Roland Holbrook
Finance Officer: Emil Bozek, PC
Treasurer: Andrew La Flamme
Chaplain: Matthew Lynch
Sergeant-At-Arms: Albert Coffey
Adjutant: Earle Wesson, PC
Historian: Frederick M. Clemons, PC
Trust Officer: Royal Miller
Asst. Trust Officer: Mary H. Sullivan
Trustee for 3 years: Richard J. McDonald, PC
Executive Committee: Roland A. Caron, Chester J. McKuskie, Thomas J. Potter
