Paul Martin Hanson, of Weymouth, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the South Shore Hospital in Weymouth. He was 70.

Paul was born in Boston on January 1, 1956, to the late Joseph and Margaret (Joyce) Hanson. He grew up in the Savin Hill neighborhood of Dorchester and was raised in St. William’s Parish. He later attended Boston College High School, and throughout his life, he carried with him the strong sense of pride and community that came from his Boston roots. He was always proud to call himself a true “OFD”—Originally From Dorchester.

It was in that same neighborhood that Paul met the love of his life, Barbara, when they were just 13 and 14 years old. What began as young sweethearts grew into a lifelong partnership, and on May 25, 1979, they were married at St. Peter’s Parish in Dorchester. Together, they moved to Weymouth, where they began building their life together, and creating a home filled with love, family and memories.

In 1976, Paul began his career with the railroad, working with both Amtrak and commuter rail over the course of more than 44 years. His career grew into a senior management role, where he earned the respect of the people around him. But what he was proudest of was never his position, it was the people. Paul helped countless people find opportunities, stood up for his fellow workers through his involvement with the union, and looked out for the people who worked with and for him as though they were family. He retired in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of loyalty, fairness, hard work, and genuine care for the people he worked alongside.

But above all else, family came first. Paul would do absolutely anything for the people he loved, particularly his daughter, Erica, and his son, Craig. He was incredibly proud of the grandchildren Erica gave him and cherished his role as their grandfather. He loved tinkering on little projects with his grandson, Liam, the two of them always finding something new to build, fix, or figure out together. With his granddaughters, Alexa and Cecilia, he treasured the simple moments of talking, laughing, and enjoying their company. Being a grandfather was a role he cherished deeply and one of which he was very proud.

Paul was a free spirit at heart. He loved the outdoors, camping, walking his dogs through the neighborhood, and even settling in with a good jigsaw puzzle. He especially loved creating his own fun, often coming up with new games, activities, or little adventures just to make people laugh and bring everyone together. He had a way of turning an ordinary moment into something memorable and never needed much of a reason to make up something new.

He found peace in his garden, growing herbs, peppers, tomatoes, peppermint, and more. He loved birds, especially eagles and hawks, always pausing to watch them soar overhead. And on clear nights, he loved nothing more than looking up at the stars, watching for meteorites and taking it all in, with Saturn holding a special place in his heart among all the planets.

Paul leaves behind a life well-lived, a family deeply loved, and a community forever touched by his generosity, humor, and unmistakable spirit. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a proud Dorchester son, a fierce advocate for his fellow workers, and, most of all, a father and grandfather who simply loved being with the people he cherished most.

Paul was the husband of Barbara Joan (Panit) Hanson of Weymouth, with whom he shared a lifelong connection that began in their youth. He was the devoted father of Erica Kelley and her late husband, Thomas, of Pembroke, and the late Craig Hanson, who passed away in 2014. Paul was the loving grandfather of Liam Hanson and Alexa and Cecilia Kelley, all of Pembroke. He was the brother of Kenny Hanson and his wife, Mary, of Weymouth; Larry Hanson and his wife, Debbie, of Georgetown; and the late Joseph Hanson. Paul is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 4-7 PM, in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Route 18 opposite of South Shore Hospital).

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, prior to the Funeral Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Sacred Heart Church, Weymouth at 10:30 AM. Cremation will follow. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Paul's name to Father Bill’s or Salvation Army.