Henry J. Hance Jr.

Henry Joseph Hance, Jr. passed peacefully into eternal life at his home on Monday, February 26, 2024. Henry or “Hank” was born in Rutland, VT on July 10,1962, the only son of Angela Giancola and Henry J. Hance, Sr.  As the first-born grandson of the Giancola family, he was greatly loved by his grandparents and uncles. His uncle Joe taught him to ski at age of 4 and his Uncle Louie bought him his first chess set at the age of 9. Henry loved the outdoors and playing with the many friends in his neighborhood. After graduating from Rutland High School, he worked in construction in Vermont, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. A few years later, he became the owner of Double H Construction Company, a successful contracting company in Rutland. As an adult, Henry loved boating, snowmobiling, and hanging out on the front porch on Franklin Street, watching over the neighborhood.  He also enjoyed deer hunting, skiing at Pico and fishing and boating on Lake Bomoseen.

Henry was an active member of the American Legion, The Moose and VFW.  He was very proud of his son “Robbie” - they enjoyed working on model cars and building go-carts together. Henry had a unique personality – at times he could be tough on the outside but inside he was kind, sensitive and had a heart of gold. He helped many people and will be greatly missed by those who truly knew him.

He is survived by his son Robert “Robbie” Hance.  Robbie’s mother Mary Covell, granddaughter Braelynn Angela Hance, her mother Kirsten Reed and her sons Timothy and Aydan,   uncle Louis Giancola and his wife Mary of South Burlington, VT ,aunt Barbara Giancola and the rest of the Giancola family. He is pre-deceased by his father, Henry J. Hance, Sr., his mother Angela G. LaVictoire, his step-father Richard A. LaVictoire, his uncle Joe Giancola and his first cousin Peter Giancola.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, March 2 at Clifford Funeral Home from 11-1:00 p.m., with a service at 1:00p.m.  performed by Father John Tokaz of St. Peter’s Parish.   A celebration of life will follow  from 2 - 5:00p.m. at the American Legion. The family would like to extend a special thanks to his dear friends Bobby Godette, Diane and Charlie Farrell, Caprice Hover  and also to the neighbors who helped keep an eye out for Henry and the dogs.  The family also would like to thank the staff of the VNA and Hospice of Rutland VT.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rutland County Humane Society, 765 Stevens Rd, Pittsford, VT 05763 or the Foley Cancer Center, Rutland Regional Medical Center,160 Allen St., Rutland, VT 05701. Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland.