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Hans Ulrich Nischan, 72, passed away on July 16 at Yale-New Haven Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Hans fought a brief but fierce battle with leukemia. The son of the late Martha (Riske) and Carl Nischan, Hans was born in a horse-drawn cart as his family fled the Nazis in late 1944.

Hans grew up in the far north of Germany in a tiny farming community. When he was 12, the family arrived in America, settling in Westville. Hans overcame the challenge of learning a new language despite his poor hearing, and went on to study math at the University of Connecticut. His real interest was in the newly developing field of computer science. He had two information technology careers, retiring from Aetna and the Yale-University Press.

Hans worked hard and played hard. Settling his family on a hill in the woods of Chester, he felled trees and hauled wood uphill to heat the family home. He loved to go out dancing and had a great collection of single malt scotch. He had a passion for photography and music and with his mechanical skills, he would repair his cameras and stereo systems. He enjoyed gardening and was dedicated to perfecting his culinary skills, to the benefit of all around him. His friends sought his advice on both technological and personal matters.

Hans is survived by his children Elizabeth Nischan and her husband Daniel of Chester, and Jamie Nischan of Greenwich; their mother Marcia Nischan; his beloved grandson Atticus; sister-in-law Gerda Nischan of Greenville, North Carolina; nephew Michael Nischan of Atlanta, Georgia; longtime companion Cynthia MacLeman; as well as his oldest friends John MacNamara and Henry Kelly. He was predeceased by his older brother Bodo.

To honor Hans, if you ever think of acquiring a pet, please consider adopting from a shelter or encouraging someone you know to do so. Services are not yet finalized. Hans taught us all many lessons, enriching our lives, and will never be forgotten. Arrangements in the care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com.