Funeral Details

Dr. Henry (“Hank”) Stephen Bangser passed away on March 12, 2024. He is survived by his beloved wife Sara and their three children, Jill Fioravanti (Marc), Marc (Gina), and Matt (Abby) and their seven grandchildren ages 4 to 15 (Albert, Simon, Camilla, Jackson, Penelope, Elyse, and Margo). Sara, Jill, Marc, and Matt, their spouses and their children will always remember the vibrance and warmth of “Grandpa Hank” and strive to exemplify his character and values.

Hank grew up in Westchester County, NY and graduated from Mamaroneck High School in 1966. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Williams College in 1970, a Master of Arts in teaching from Northwestern University in 1971 and a PhD in educational leadership and administration from Northwestern University in 1977. His educational career began at New Trier East High School in Winnetka, IL and spanned nearly five decades, including classroom teaching, educational leadership positions, and superintendencies in six public school districts across New York, Illinois, and California. Perhaps most noteworthy were his more than 20 years spent with New Trier High School District 203, where he worked first as a social studies teacher and assistant principal, and then returned to serve for 16 years as superintendent. Hank was inducted into the Mamaroneck High School Hall of Fame in 1999, and upon his retirement from New Trier in 2006, the administration building at the Northfield Campus was renamed the Henry S. Bangser Administration Building.

Hank’s legacy touched thousands of teachers, administrators, staff, and students. One current superintendent said: “Hank was the single most important influence in my professional career, and there’s no way I would be where I am now without his guidance and support. The world just lost an incredible man.” A longtime former assistant for Hank added, “My heart is broken right now. Hank was just such an unbelievable person to me, professionally and personally - he will never know just how many people he has impacted along the way.”

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hank reveled in playing, discussing and watching sports. He played varsity football and baseball in high school, collegiate football at Williams College and coached New Trier football. For his entire adult life he was an avid golfer who carried a single-digit handicap, using his exceptional short game and silky-smooth putting stroke to tame some of the most challenging courses from coast to coast.

Hank and Sara celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in April 2023, surrounded by family in a wonderful celebration of their milestone. He was immensely proud of his children and beamed whenever he talked about his grandchildren, and he went out of his way to attend soccer games, dance recitals, and band and orchestra concerts, and loved every video and picture sent his way. “Grandpa Hank” fit him perfectly.

Hank will be dearly missed by all who had the good fortune to know him throughout his almost 75 years, and his family knows that the many memories shared with Hank will resonate for years and generations to come.

A graveside service will take place on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Ridge Lawn Cemetery, 5736 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60646.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Georgia Chapter), 57 Executive Park South, Suite 380, Atlanta, Georgia 30329 (please put “Henry Bangser” in the memo line) or donated electronically at www.cff.org/donate. (Please choose the Georgia Chapter and name Henry Bangser in the “In Honor / In Memory” section on that page)

Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.