Pierre Hugues Hansot's Obituary
Pierre (“Pete") Hughes Hansot
Pierre ("Pete") Hughes Hansot died peacefully at home on November 24, 2025, surrounded by love.
Pete was born in Paris, France, on October 19, 1935, to William and Georgia Neiman Hansot. His life was shaped early by adventure, duty, and compassion. His father was a French Army officer who evacuated at Dunkirk and served throughout WWII as a liaison officer to the British Army. Georgia Neiman worked on the editorial staff at McCall's Magazine in New York City. After marrying, they returned to France. As war threatened the occupation of France, Pete, his sister Elisabeth, and his mother relocated to Whitewater, Kansas, his mother's hometown. When the war ended, the family reunited in Englewood, NJ, where Pete's kindness and curiosity began to shine.
Pete graduated from Pennsylvania Military College (Widener University) in 1957, followed by a master's degree in 1960 from the American Graduate School for International Management. Yet it was outside the classroom that Pete's humanity flourished. He served with the National Park Service as a firefighter in Yosemite and guided visitors through the storied grounds of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. He loved history and enjoyed sharing and preserving it with those he guided. Every encounter was an opportunity for him to teach, listen, and connect.
Following in his father's footsteps, Pete was a leader. He completed Army officer training at Ft. Benning, earning his Airborne wings and Ranger qualifications. He served as an Army captain and company commander at Ft. Dix and continued his service in the Army Reserves, retiring as a major.
After his military career, Pete traveled both nationally and internationally in sales and marketing positions. No matter how far he traveled, he carried with him the values of honesty and a good laugh. Those who worked with him remember his professionalism.
In Cleveland, Ohio, Pete met the love of his life, Betsy Bridgman, during a ski weekend. They married in 1962 and built a life together defined by caring and generosity. They raised their children, Denise and Christopher, in Montclair, NJ. Whether coaching Little League, leading Cub Scouts, or serving on the Vestry of St. James Episcopal Church, he modeled compassion and commitment with wit. Family, friends, and food gave him great pleasure. There was a twinkle in his eye when he enjoyed a delicious meal and a good glass of wine.
In 1997, Pete entered his favorite phase of life—retirement. He was never one to slow down; instead, he focused on giving back. His wry sense of humor and ability to tell a good joke endeared him to his friends as he became a vital force in his community, serving for more than twenty years with the Lightship Overfalls, leading tours, inspiring volunteers, and delighting children with stories of maritime history. His hands, once used to fight fires and lead troops, now built boats, refinished furniture, and tended gardens. He was an artist as a woodworker, especially making half-hulls. Pete was an ongoing supporter of Lewes in Bloom, and his leadership of the Lewes Historical Preservation Committee reflected his deep belief that history lives best when it is shared and protected. Most importantly, animals—especially dogs—gave him a sense of solace. His own dogs, Tucker and Joy, were his constant companions.
Pete was an active member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Lewes, where his faith found quiet expression in fellowship and service. His friendships were deep and lasting, rooted in loyalty and laughter.
Pete was a family man. He adored his wife of 63 years, Betsy, and cared deeply about the lives of his children, Denise (Bill Reaves) of Phoenix, AZ, and Christopher (Sara DeRuyck) of Seattle, WA. His seven grandchildren were his pride and joy. Pete led a life well lived and will be missed by both family and dear friends.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Delaware Hospice for their extraordinary kindness and care.
Contributions in Pete's memory may be made to St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Lewes, Delaware, https://www.stpeterslewes.org/online-giving, or Delaware Hospice, https://delawarehospice.org/donate .
A celebration of life will be held on January 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 200 2nd St, Lewes, DE 19958.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
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