John H. Hausen, III

John H. Hausen III died peacefully on Wednesday, July 3,2024 at age 96. A lifelong Albany resident, John was born August 1, 1927, the son of John and Helen Hausen. He was the joy of his mother’s life. He was called “Sonny” in his youth. His father was a decorated veteran of World War 1 who owned and operated Hausens Men’s Store, an upscale men’s haberdashery store on Central avenue where John worked in his youth.

John lived the life of a true Albanian. He attended Miss Quinns school, the glass school at Vincentian for elementary school, and C.B.A for high school. He was a Lieutenant his senior year and played football, hockey and baseball and was “all Albany” in for baseball and was proudly known as “Mr. 2 for 3” due to hitting prowess. He was also proud of the fact he was the only defenseman on the hockey team to score a goal his senior year. He was a member of the class of 1945 of which he is the last surviving graduate of C.B.A. to serve in World War 2. Upon graduation from C.B.A. John enlisted in the Navy, celebrating his 18th Birthday, “in service”. John liked to tell the story about how his mother was so upset that he joined the Navy that she cried for 3 days. John was a navigator on B-17’s during his navy career. Which sparked a lifetime interest in flying and a love of the history of World War 2.

Upon leaving the service John returned to college while working for his father at Hausens men’s store he received a degree from Siena College. When Johns father died unexpectedly when he was 22 John took over as proprietor of Hausens men’s store and ran the store for the next 20 years. After closing the Hausens Men’s Shop John was an investment banker for 10 years. He then was a member of State Senator Richard Schermerhorn’s staff for 20years. 

John lived life to its fullest. He rode horses when he was young. Rode motorcycles later in life. Owned and flew planes since the 1950’s. He was an avid Yankees fan. He skied and loved to take his boat out on his beloved Lake George camping on the Islands and eating at the Algonquin. His true love and passion was golf. He was one of the better golfers of his era to ever come out of the capital district. He won 7 club championships at the Albany country club along with winning the presidents plaque, Governors Plaque, numerous member, and member guest tournaments at the Albany Country club. One of his proudest achievements was that he was the only person to win the Club championship at the old Albany Country club and the new club and the only one who ever would. He also won many other tournaments at other country clubs throughout the capital district and State. He was a semifinalist in the New York state amateur tournament in 1962. He carried a 2 handicap for years and was able to play golf well into his 90’s. One of his most cherished possessions was a putter his boyhood friend Bill Shields gave him when he began playing golf in the 1950’s, which Bill had used in the US open, British open and Masters. He used the putter for the remainder of his career, and it was the point of great discussion amongst the younger golfers at the Club.

Upon retirement John was able to winter in Florida at Bonita Springs each winter with his wife Carol and his special brother-in-law and sister-in-law Judi and Frank Glockner. John was a gentleman’s gentleman. He was always dressed impeccably. and was the definition of a “Dapper Dan”. He was a great Father, Husband, Grandfather and great Grandfather. John had a great life. He lived life to its fullest and drank from the cup of life every chance he had.

He Is survived by his wife of 56 years Carol, son Ted Waitkus,(Susan Adams) daughter Ronni Waitkus Barry, grandchildren Forrest Adams, Katie Holmes (Kevin), Kristin Green(Chris) and Justine Santangelo (Steve), great grandchildren, Cooper, Taylor, Chloe, Emma, Aiden, Luke, Hunter and Riley, sister in Law Judy Glockner and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was a man of honor respect and dignity. They don’t make them like him anymore. He will be missed by all whose life’s he graced with his presence.

The Family would like to express a special thanks to the staff at Right at Home, especially Theresa Duncan, St Peters, Our Lady of Mercy, and the following individuals: Judy Glockner, Dr. Ara Kayayan, Maggie Kirwin, Cheryl and Joe Chisari, Chris Urbano, Mary Ellen Friedberg, John Joel and John Bedell for the passion and compassion they displayed in taking care of John, helping to allow him to stay at home. 

A celebration of life will be held for John at the Christ the King Church 20 Sumter Ave Guilderland, with a wake from 9:00-10:00 a.m. followed by a Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 13 ,2024, with a graveside service at St Agnes Cemetery thereafter and a reception following, at the Albany Country Club, 300 Wormer Rd, Voorheesville, New York. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.