Contributed Photo Sean Hanofee, 1964-2010

Hanofee dead at 45

By Frank Rizzo
LIBERTY — January 26, 2010 — A few weeks after getting sworn-in to serve a four-year term as Town of Liberty Councilman, Sean Hanofee died at Catskill Regional Medical Center this past Saturday after suffering a heart attack while shoveling snow a family friend said.
Hanofee’s election in November – garnering the highest amount of votes – had marked a triumphant return to elective politics for the Liberty native, who had served several previous terms on the board.
Son of the noted Democratic Party leader Francis “Stretch” Hanofee, Sean had a long tenure on the Town of Liberty Democratic Committee. In addition, he worked on a committee to revise the town’s zoning code and was also the district coordinator for the 98th Assembly District under the late Assemblyman Jake Gunther.
“I am heartbroken to hear of Sean Hanofee’s untimely death,” read a statement by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, successor to her husband’s seat. “Sean worked for my husband, Jacob, for many years. He was a friend to me and my family. Sean had a passion for all things political and I’m sure he and Jacob are now talking politics. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.”
From across the political aisle, Republican State Senator John Bonacic commented, “I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sean Hanofee. I worked closely with Sean when he worked in the State Assembly. Politics never got in the way of public service for Sean. He cared deeply about Liberty and Sullivan County. His community was a great passion of his, and his recent re-election to the Town Council in Liberty, shows his community clearly understood that.
“On behalf of my family and staff, I extend my sympathy to Sean’s wife Rose, his children, and entire family,” Bonacic added.
“Sean was a great Democrat. His untimely death is a shock to us all. We were so happy for his win in the Town of Liberty election this past November,” said Sullivan County Democratic Committee Chairman Steven Wilkinson in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, children and family. Sean was a good friend, I will greatly miss his insight and support.”
“The Democratic Committee of Liberty is deeply saddened by the death of Sean Hanofee,” read a statement by Liberty Democratic Committee Chairperson Deborah Manley. “He was a great committeeman and we were so excited for his return to the town board as a councilman. The entire committee will miss him and his energy. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife, Rose, their two young children and his extended family.”
Hanofee worked as executive director of the Lazarus I. Levine Residence Hall at Sullivan County Community College, managed for the SCCC Dormitory Corporation by the Longley Jones Management Corporation.
Town of Liberty Supervisor John Schmidt was out of town and could not be reached for comment.
See Hanofee’s obituary, page 6A, or online by using the obituary link above.