Sebastian J. Hanson died peacefully at home on November 6, 2026 surrounded by his family, after a long, courageous battle with Muscular Dystrophy and other conditions stemming from it. Sebastian was born on February 16, 2007 in Salem MA. He was the son of Mark and Renee Hanson. He was a lifelong resident of Salem. He attended Salem Public Schools until covid then transferred to TECCA Academy where he excelled academically until he unfortunately had to end his school career in June of 2026.
He enjoyed reading, playing board games, history, diamond art, collecting Pokémon Cards, and talking to people. He had a deep love for music, hot sauces, and spending time with his family.
Unfortunately, due to his disease there was a lot that Sebastian couldn’t do. He never had a normal childhood of running around and playing. However, through it all he always stayed positive and kept a smile on his face. His courageous fight and positive outlook inspired many people near and far.
Although there was much that Sebastian couldn’t do, he still had many achievements. He did one term as the State Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He was also the Ambassador to Salem Fire Department and Gloucester Fire Department, as well as being involved with Peabody and Danvers Fire Departments. He helped with Fill the Boots as often as he could. One year he even attended Boot Camp at Mohegan Sun to help all the Fire Department’s kick off their Fill the Boot season! In addition to doing Fill the Boots he spoke at other MDA Fundraisers. One of his FAVORITE fundraisers was Cooking for a Cure. Sebastian LOVED food and LOVED going around and trying all of the different foods from each Department. He took pride in helping hand out the awards. Some other things he got to do included going to Lee Speedway and riding in the PACE car. Going to Louden and walking around in the Pit. He even got to meet Carl Edwards who was excited for him that he was a personal friend of Eddie MacDonald! He also got to go cheer Eddie on at Oxford Speedway! Sebastian also got to experience going to Disney and Universal for his wish trip. He got to go to Atlantic City New Jersey for a tattoo convention and concert. His last big trip was courtesy of Living the Dream. He got to go to Louder Than Life in Kentucky and actually meet Lamb of God, Breaking Benjamin, Slayer, and Avenged Sevenfold to name a few! He had the time of his life! His last wish was to become a Master Mason like his father. That was made a reality for him last month by the Grand Master of Massachusetts and the members of Essex Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Salem.
Sebastian is survived by his parents Mark and Renee. His brothers Richard and his wife Nadia, Joshua, and Michael and his significant other Megan. He is also survived by his niece Lillian and nephew Wyatt. His Great Grandmother Marie Julien. His Aunt, Celeste Cassino and her husband Anthony and daughter Claire. As well as many extended family members. In addition to his family, he is also survived by his best friend, Michael Pierce. He is predeceased by his Grandparents Robert and Coralie Hanson and his Grandfather J. Richard Julien.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2026 at the Salem AOH, 104 Boston Street, Salem from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Since Sebastian had a huge heart and a passion for the fire department, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rehab Five in his honor at https://rehabfive.org/donate/. It was always Sebastian's dream to someday be able to volunteer for them alongside his parents.