Hans G Hanf

Hans G. Hanf 

December 31, 1948 – January 22, 2025

Hans G. Hanf, 76, passed away suddenly following a brief illness on January 22, 2025, at the Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, N.J. He was surrounded by his loving children, Jennifer and Michael Hanf. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Hans was born in Viernheim, Germany on December 31, 1948, to Maria Christina (“Dina”) Hanf. He was the namesake of his father, Hans Hanf, who tragically perished in a work-related accident shortly before Hans was born. He immigrated to the United States with his mother at the age of three, initially living in Maryland. They then moved to New Jersey, living in East Orange where he spent much of his childhood. During his high school and early college years they lived in Bloomfield before settling in Nutley on Hay Avenue in a house he helped renovate with his beloved stepfather, Karl Knapp, who taught him, “You need the right tool for the job.”

Hans attended Our Lady of All Souls School in East Orange, New Jersey and Essex Catholic High School in Newark, NJ where he met many lifelong friends including Tom Siccone, Lou D’Andrea, and Michael O’Brien. From a young age, Hans was a diligent student and a strong and powerful athlete. He was the starting halfback as a freshman on the Essex Catholic varsity football team and ran the 880-yard relay as a freshman and sophomore, playing an integral role on the Essex Catholic State Championship winning track team. It was during his senior year that Hans met his beloved, Katy (nee Brady) and was immediately adopted by the Brady bunch. After high school, Hans attended Rutgers Newark and pledged the Tau Delta Phi fraternity. His college years were split between steadfastly studying, working infamous part-time jobs, enjoying frat parties, and playing pick-up basketball games at the courts near Foley Field.

 Upon graduating from Rutgers in 1971, Hans embarked on a successful career on Wall Street working initially as a municipal bond trader at Schweickart and Co. and First Fidelity Bank. He spent the bulk of his career at Prudential Securities, becoming the firm’s first vice president in high yield municipal bond trading. It was during his 21-year tenure at Pru where he came to know everyone, and everyone came to know him. He would often joke with friends that people knew him because he was the only Hans in Munis. More likely, it was his affable nature, innate networking ability, and willingness to connect people that earned tremendous respect from his peers and cultivated lifelong friendships. Hans spent some time as senior vice president at the GMS Group and served as vice president of the Bond Market Association, directing its regional dealer program. In 2003 he joined Chapdelaine & Co., serving various roles, including manager of municipal business development. He finished his career at Build America Mutual as the first Head of Municipal Markets, building the firm’s primary and secondary franchises. Hans was a tireless advocate for the municipal bond business and a proud member of the New York and New Jersey (past President) Municipal Bond Clubs.

 Hans and Katy married in 1972 and moved to Rhoda Avenue in Nutley, NJ in 1976 where they created a beautiful life. On Rhoda Avenue, friends became family and were always welcomed by Hans’ infectious smile which lit up the room. Once at the kitchen table, you would always have a full drink, be sure to hear America’s “Ventura Highway,” and be regaled with one of his many epic stories. An avid golfer, Hans was a member of the Montclair Golf Club for 45 years. He was on the Board for 6 years and served as Golf Chair for 4 years where he captained the MGC Golf team to two Curtis Cup championships. Hans also won several Member-Guest Tournaments at Baltusrol Golf Club with his partner, John Feeney. He was a member at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland where he enjoyed countless special outings with Katy, Michael, and many friends and colleagues. 

Hans is survived by his adoring children, Jennifer and Michael, who were his absolute pride and joy; his sister-in-law, Patricia Kraft (nee Brady) and her husband, Daniel; brother-in-law, Joseph Brady and his wife, Beth (nee Brennan); sister-in-law, Mary Gallagher (nee Brady) and her husband, Steve; and many loving nieces and nephews whom he absolutely cherished. He is also survived by a host of other loving relatives, friends, and neighbors. Hans was predeceased by his mother, Dina Knapp; father, Hans Hanf; stepfather, Karl Knapp; in-laws, Alice and Joseph Brady whom he affectionately called Mommy and Daddy; brother-in-law, Paul Brady; and his beloved wife of 38 years, Katy Hanf, who was the light of his life.

Hans was a consummate gentleman, always impeccably dressed. He never met a stranger and opened his home and heart to everyone. He was a humble man of deep faith, loyalty, integrity, empathy, VERY strong conviction, and boundless generosity. His love for his family and friends was unrivaled. He was truly one of a kind, a legend in business and a legend in life. His spirit will live on in the lives of the countless people he touched throughout his lifetime. All were better having met him. His memory will be forever cherished. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Monday, January 27th from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Halpin-Bitecola Brookdale Funeral Home, 1284 Broad St., Bloomfield, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday, January 28th at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 60 Byrd Ave., Bloomfield, NJ at 10 AM. Interment will be in Glendale Cemetery, 28 Hoover Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Hans’ memory would be appreciated (www.stjude.org).