George B. Hanka

George B. Hanka, 64, of Manchester, passed away Friday February 12, 2016 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford surrounded by his family. He leaves his beloved wife of 23 years, Kim (Gianopoulus) Hanka, and three brothers: Karl of Chaplin, Harold of Pawcatuck, and Robert of Buffalo, Minn. He also is survived by several aunts and uncles in Connecticut and Minnesota and several nieces and nephews. Born in Willimantic, George was the son of the late Arnold and Elizabeth (Walsh) Hanka and graduated from E.O. Smith High School. George was employed by Reebok for many years and managed the opening of several outlet stores for the company. For several years in the 1970's and '80's, George and his brothers were teammates in the Willi-Mac Softball League. George had a great knowledge of watches and coins, particularly silver dollars, and passionately collected both. He also enjoyed metal detecting and was excellent at crossword puzzles, completing them in pen. At George's request, his funeral and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in George's memory to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 2231. ( www.diabetes.org ). For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .