Life story

"Gayle Robert Hannah, 85 passed away peacefully on Friday, July 21, 2023 at his home in Brick, N.J. with his family all under one roof. Gayle is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Barbara Hannah, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage daughter, Lori Hannah McCullough (Russ), son, David Hannah (Janet) and grand children, Scott, Kristin, Michelle, Jessica, Katie, and Allison as well as a vast number of friends that will remember the kindness and unconditional love he gave to the world.
Gayle lived in Newark N.J. until age 10 when his family moved to Maplewood N.J. He grew up in Maplewood, attending Columbia High School and then Rutgers University. After working at Prudential he earned his masters degree from Rutgers University. He then worked for Bergen Community College as Director of Human Resources for 30+ years. Here he was in his element sharing his gift of his love of helping people, motivating, guiding, supporting and encouraging students and staff. He also enjoyed teaching math classes in the evening.
After marrying Barbara in 1963, they moved to Westfield, and then Scotch Plains, N.J. to raise their family. They were active in their neighborhood/ community for 50+ years. Gayle was a volunteer fire fighter, Boy Scout leader, lover of animals, originator with Barbara of the neighborhood block party going 50 years strong and active in the church .
As an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Westfield, N.J. 50+ years, he enjoyed singing in the choir with Barbara, being involved in the Innovative Worship Service , Agape, Handyman Group, decorating the sanctuary each Christmas, and he was an Elder and a Stephens Minister.
In 2020 they moved full-time to their summer home in Brick, NJ. He enjoyed social events, time with friends, and loved to be by the water/ocean. He was a lover of puzzles, sudoku, jigsaw and an avid scrabble player, even carrying it in his beach bag, incase anyone was up for a game . He was a fun loving, caring, compassionate, kind man, with a sense of humor. He was the ultimate uniter, a giver, and a sharer of unconditional love. We are all better for having known and loved him.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on August 4, 2023, from 11:00 AM till 12:00 PM at the Presbyterian Church in Westfield, 140 Mountain Ave.
Westfield, N.J."