The Breeze Magazine of the Lowcountry JUNE 2020

Hanks’ story cannot end here. He served as a Meteorologist
in the U.S. Army Air Corp during WW II in the Pacific Theater
serving with distinction, bravery and honor, proud to serve
and give his life if necessary for the country that his father
immigrated to. Following the war, he returned home to
Chicago and married his sweetheart Irene, his wife of 68
years until her death. Irene was the love of his life and they
had a child, Jack, who is 74 years young. During his civilian
career he worked for United Airlines as a “bean counter”,
as he says, but one knows of his modesty. His father’s
chapel in Poland was destroyed by the Nazi’s, as so many
Polish perished and suffered. The atrocity and sacrilege
did not discourage him. Again, although modest to talk
about his involvement, Hank returned to his family’s
town and helped rebuild that church. Another of his
dear friends, Lydia, who was weak from a desease,
could not walk much less feed herself, recounts of his
kindness. Hank would visit her, wash her, feed her, and
give her hope by his presence. She is alive to this day because of him.
Today, one marvels at Hank and his wonderful best friend, Lois Murphy, as they share their life and happiness
together.
A man of Hanks’ character, his dedication to his Country and family, the love and kindness he shared with his
friends, and all of those who have met him, myself included, are humbled by his love and compassion for all
those lives he has touched …they only come around once in 100 years.
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