June 8, 1930-April 29, 2025
Saint Helena Island, S.C.
Carl John Hahn, 94, of Saint Helena Island, S.C., passed away peacefully at home at 5:30 a.m., on April 28, 2025, after a brief battle with leukemia.
Born in the Bronx, N.Y., on June 8, 1930, to German parents Conrad and Anna (Blanc) Hahn, Carl grew up close with his older sister Marion and their two cousins Ellie and Margie — a situation that perhaps prepared him for the resilience and good humor that would define his life. Carl developed remarkable skills as a carpenter and boat-builder. At age 17, he built his first boat in the Bronx, before continuing this skill in Florida and South Carolina. While in Florida, he also became a pilot and enjoyed many adventures that came through flying.
Carl was a Korean War veteran, having been drafted into the Army — an experience he initially resisted but later came to value. His service overseas provided him with a wealth of stories, many of which, as he would acknowledge with his characteristic humor, required some editing for younger audiences.
Known for his sharp wit and ready smile, Carl’s greatest gift was perhaps his ability to tell a story. He never missed an opportunity to share tales from his colorful life, including the time he accidentally rode a trike off the 900-foot dock he helped build, landing upside down in the pluff mud and water. Carl was quick to laugh at himself and never at the expense of others.
A master craftsman, Carl framed numerous houses that still stand throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry. In 1979, he built his own home on St. Helena Island, where he would later spend 31 happy years of marriage with his beloved wife, Debbie. They met through mutual friends when Carl was 62, bringing a joyful conclusion to his bachelor days. Together, they spent their days bird-watching, enjoying time on the water, taking walks, and working on the endless projects that come with waterfront living. From their home, they watched countless sunsets, a view that Carl treasured to his final days.
Until just before his passing, Carl remained remarkably strong and active, taking particular pleasure in walking down his dear friend Rick’s dock to be closer to the water he loved.
Carl is survived by his wife, Debbie Hahn, and many other loved ones, including cousin Margie Korner, great nephew Conrad (Klava) Meier and his son Zane, sister-in-law Connie Huffstetler (Larry), sister-in-law Patti Younger (Lawson), and brother-in-law Stan Catchings (Tina). He also leaves behind nieces and nephews who held a special place in their hearts for their Uncle Carl and many beloved friends too numerous to name.
A celebration of life will be held on June 8, 2025, which would have been Carl’s 95th birthday. Ceremony will be at 2 p.m., at 59 Marsh Point Road, St. Helena Island, followed by a reception and scattering of Carl’s ashes. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift in honor of Carl to the charity of your choosing.
To honor Carl’s love of storytelling, we are collecting personal anecdotes and memories online: https://bit.ly/carltribute. Recollections shared by May 25, 2025 will be compiled into a memorial keepsake.
