Hans W. Deutsch

Hans W. Deutsch, 92, passed away peacefully on Memorial Day, May 29, 2017. He was born April 25, 1925 in Vienna, Austria to Martha and Fritz Deutsch. In the spring of 1938, Hans, with sisters Ruth and Eva and their parents fled Nazi-occupied Austria, and sailed to the U.S. They settled in Queens, NY and soon thereafter, Hans enrolled at Mount Hermon School in Northfield, MA. He then attended Stevens Institute of Technology, but his studies were interrupted by WWII when, in 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He fought in many conflicts including the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded a Purple Heart. Hans returned to Stevens and graduated second in his class with a degree in mechanical engineering. Hans’ first job was at SKF Industries, which is where he met Nadia. They married in 1950 and it was the start of a 66-year love story for the ages. His career in engineering management took him all over the world. After retiring, Hans took his international business savvy overseas, as a volunteer for the International Executive Service Corps, to help economically changing nations remodel their manufacturing systems. He and Nadia served in England, China, the Czech Republic, and Russia. Hans adored his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren – and chocolate. Nadia’s baking efforts were challenged by Hans’ uncanny ability to locate and consume her hidden bags of chocolate chips. His family and friends were always amused by his mischievous antics and sense of humor. The twinkle in his eyes could illuminate a room. In 1992, Hans and Nadia moved to Seabury in Bloomfield. They loved being part of the Seabury community, where Hans spearheaded the Staff Appreciation Fund. He was a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and in many other roles. Hans was a tireless volunteer and board member of many organizations, including Loaves & Fishes, the Pastoral Counseling Center of West Hartford, the West Hartford Street Ministry and John Dempsey Hospital. Hans is survived by his four children and their families: Karen & Steve Boga, Linda & Ferg Jansen, Ellen Deutsch, and Mark & Chanisa Deutsch; bonus daughter Sheena Landfear; grandchildren Sara & Mark Pierce, Emily & Patrick Safino, Caroline & Steven Horvat, Madeleine Boga, Martha Hollister; and great-grandchildren Zoe & Lila Pierce, and Maeve, Harrison, & Owen Safino. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Nadia and grandson Reid. The Deutsch family is most grateful to the Seabury staff for their loving care especially during Hans’ final days, with special thanks to his aides Winsome, Tanisha, Doreen and Olga and nurses Andrea, Tatiana, Galina, Beverly, and Lorraine. The family will host a celebration of Hans’ life on Saturday, June 3rd at 3:00 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2080 Boulevard, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Healing Meals Community Project, PO Box 501, Simsbury, CT 06070 or to the Seabury Staff Appreciation Fund, 200 Seabury Dr. Bloomfield, CT 06002-

Hans W. Deutsch

April 25, 1925 - May 29, 2017