Recently resigned Lehigh County Executive William Hansell succumbed to non-Hodgkin lymphoma June 4.

Hansell, 76, was appointed to finish Don Cunningham's term last August, but tendered his resignation last month to commit his full efforts to combating his illness.

County Chief of Staff Frank Kane said in a statement, "With the experience of over 50 years of outstanding public service, Bill was an incredible source of knowledge and guidance and was singularly focused on doing what was best for the citizens of each government entity he managed.

"Bill clearly had his favored political views and would relish a lively discussion with those of differing opinions, but was always the consummate gentleman, commitmate gentleman, committed to working differences out in favor of the citizens he served."

Hansell had served as executive director of the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities