Sanford ‘Sandy’ Hansell

1936 – 2026

Sanford “Sandy” Hansell of Bloomfield Township, Michigan, died on Jan. 13, 2026, at age 89. Sandy lived a life of service to family, friends, and community. Born in Salem on Aug. 26, 1936, Sandy graduated Salem High School and then attended Williams College and Harvard Law School.

An avid writer and musician, Sandy was a leader throughout his life. In high school he was class vice president and president, and Salem Quaker Editor. As a senior, he was voted “student most likely to succeed.”

At Williams College Sandy was Editor in Chief of the Williams Record, Vice President of the College Council and of the Williams Jewish Association.

Following Williams, Sandy had offers to work at Life Magazine or attend Harvard Law School. Following graduation from Harvard and work at a major New York law firm, Sandy founded Sandy Hansell & Associates, the nation’s leading bowling industry consultant.

Sandy, played trombone with the SHS marching band and continuing that passion joined the Royal Oak (Mich.) Concert Band. Sandy was a founding member and President of Congregation T’chiyah. In retirement Sandy served as a docent at the Zekelman Holocaust Center.

Sandy was predeceased by his parents Bess and Abe Hansell; brothers, Elliott and Herb Hansell; and sisters-in-law, Sunny and Jeanne Hansell

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Raina Ernstoff; children: Saul Hansell, Jenny Hansell, and Amy Hansell; five grandchildren: Clay Hansell, Abigail Hansell-Baumgarten, Daphne Hansell, Ari Hansell Baumgarten, and Ridley Hackett.

Donations in his name can be made to the Hansell Family Fund at the Salem Community Foundation or the Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

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