ELLSWORTH – A former Ellsworth businessman, Ronald M. “Ronnie” Hanf, has died at his home in Spring Hill, Fla., after a long battle with cancer.

Hanf, 77, died on Feb. 9. He was born in Ellsworth and, for 32 years before he retired, ran A.C. Hanf Co., a plumbing and heating business, which he took over from his father. He also owned the Hanf Block, a small strip mall on High Street adjacent to the Ellsworth Shopping Center.

While he lived in Ellsworth, Hanf was an active community member, involved with the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce. He was a past president of Rotary in Ellsworth and a past president of the board of directors of the Downeast YMCA. Hanf was a former president of the Pine Tree LP Gas Association and a life member of Lygonia Lodge, AF & AM.

“He was very active in the community,” said longtime friend Casper Sargent. “Ronnie was always available to help in any way. He was a darn good citizen.”

Hanf retired to North Carolina and eventually to Florida where he lived with his wife of 56 years, Jacqueline Hanf.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church Chapel in Florida on Thursday. A graveside service at Woodbine Cemetery in Ellsworth will be scheduled at a later date.