Hudson, Massachusetts. Robert J. Hanslip, of Hudson, Massachusetts and Wilton, Maine died Saturday afternoon in his home after a long and courageous battle with colon cancer. Mr. Hanslip was 80 years old. He was born in Marlborough on March 30, 1924, the only son of Joseph R. and Ellen A. (Ramsay) Hanslip. He was raised in Gleasondale, a village located partly in Hudson and partly in Stow, and with the exception of his time in the navy and the precious time he spent at his beloved farm in Wilton, he lived his entire life in Hudson.
Mr. Hanslip was a fourth generation textile manufacturer. His father founded the Asbestos Weaving Company in Gleasondale. He began at a young age sweeping floors and worked there after school learning every aspect of the business. He attended local schools and was a member of the Hudson High School class of 1943. Mr. Hanslip served in the United States Navy during the second world war and afterward joined his father in business eventually purchasing his share of the business. With his father he founded Hanslip Plastic Company in 1950. These enterprises became All-Weave Webbing & Tape, Inc. specializing in a variety of narrow woven fabrics including oil burner wicking, lawn furniture webbing, tapes for the automotive industry and designer shoelaces. The factory in Gleasondale burned in 1963 and Mr. Hanslip relocated his business to Clinton. He sold the business and retired in 1994.
A life-long Republican, Mr. Hanslip served over 40 years on the Hudson Republican Town Committee, resigning last year. He was an energetic and enthusiastic supporter of moderate Republicans including Leverett Saltonstall, Henry Cabot Lodge, George Lodge, John Volpe, Edward Brooke, Elliott Richardson, Bill Weld and Paul Cellucci.
Mr. Hanslip served in the United States Navy during WWII and afterwards served 10 years in the Naval Reserve. He was an active member of the 1638th Aero Squadron.
He was a life member and Past President of the Musketaquid Sportsman's Club of Concord, Massachusetts. He was also a life member of the Hudson Lodge of Elks. Mr. Hanslip was a life member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. He was also a member of the 100 Club of Massachusetts, the American Legion, VFW, and the Hudson Historical Society. He was formerly a member of the Stow Fire Department and a Trustee of the former Gleasondale Methodist Church.
Mr. Hanslip was an avid outdoorsman. He was a Registered Maine Guide and spent many hours flying his float plane around northern Maine.
Mr. Hanslip is survived by his adored wife of 46 years, the former Nancy M. Burke, of Hudson, his son Joseph R. Hanslip of Springvale, Maine, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours for Mr. Hanslip will be held at the Tighe-Hamilton Funeral Home, 50 Central Street,Route 62, Hudson from 2-4 and 7-9 Tuesday afternoon. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. at Saint Michael's Church, Manning Street, in Hudson. Burial will be in Forest Vale Cemetary in Hudson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Mr. Hanslip's name to either the Wilton Free Public Library, P.O. Box 454, Wilton, Maine 04294 or the York County Shelter, P. O. Box 820, Alfred, Maine 04002.