Lloyd mourns former Supervisor, Legislator

Paul J. Hansut, 1964-2021

Posted 7/21/21

Paul Jon Hansut, a lifetime public servant, whose battle with pancreatic cancer earned him the admiration of his community, died July 17, at home, with his family by his side. He was …

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Lloyd mourns former Supervisor, Legislator

Paul J. Hansut, 1964-2021

Posted

Paul Jon Hansut, a lifetime public servant, whose battle with pancreatic cancer earned him the admiration of his community, died July 17, at home, with his family by his side. He was 57.

“Paul was truly dedicated to his family, friends and community and will be greatly missed,” read a statement released by the Town of Lloyd. “The Town of Lloyd lost a great man today but heaven gained one! Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Gina Hansut and the entire Hansut family.”

Hansut, a lifelong resident of Highland joined the Town of Lloyd Police Department in 1991, first as a part-timer, later signing on as a full-time officer. In 1994, he joined the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, where he served in various capacities, including detective. He also served as a member of the Poughkeepsie PBA as well as a member of the Police Athletic League.

“The Town of Lloyd Police Department is deeply saddened on the passing of Paul J. Hansut, former Town of Lloyd Supervisor, former Ulster County Legislature, retired City of Poughkeepsie Police Detective, former Town of Lloyd Police officer and friend,” read a statement released Sunday by the Town of Lloyd Police Department.”

“Paul was truly dedicated to his family, friends and community and will be greatly missed. The Town of Lloyd lost a great man today but heaven gained one! Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Gina Hansut and the entire Hansut family.”

Following his retirement, Hansut was elected to the Ulster County Legislature where he served for four years, including two years as Majority Leader.

Richard Gerentine became close to Hansut when they served together in the Ulster County Legislature.

“He was Majority Leader for a period of time and he did a great job during a tumultuous time for the county,” Gerentine said in a 2020 interview. “He is very well respected, very well loved by not only people in his community but also outside the community. He helped people in many aspects of life, from the north, south, east and west.”

In 2012 Hansut was elected Supervisor of the Town of Lloyd where he served for eight years. An advocate of term limits, Hansut announced in January of 2019 that he would not seek a third term. It was shortly before his final meeting as supervisor in December of 2019, that he disclosed that he was battling pancreatic cancer.

A fundraiser in February 2020 drew hundreds of friends and supporters.

Fellow Councilman Joe Mazzetti said the event, “is an incredible showing of support to a guy who dedicated his life to helping the community and it was touching to see everyone come out to support him and his family to beat his fight against cancer.”

Former Lloyd Police Chief Daniel Waage said Hansut dedicated his life to this town.

“He always treated me very well and was very fair and together we were able to bring the Police Department up to where it is today,” Waage said.

Hansut and his family were overwhelmed by the love and support

“The hardest part for me is that I was always there helping people and now with Covid and the crisis, I can’t help anybody,” he said in a 2020 interview. “I’m very thankful to the community and I pray every day. Even after a year people still reach out and call me and many people are praying for me. We get a lot of support no matter where we go.”