Glens Falls – Lieutenant Colonel Robert P. Hamell, AUS, 90, formerly of South Street, Glens Falls and Argyle, NY passed away peacefully on September 21, 2013.
Born on March 1, 1923 in Glens Falls, he was the son of Hazel (Moon) and Carl B. Hamell of Queensbury.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Jacqueline (Legault) Hamell and his brother Carl A. Hamell.
He was a 1940 graduate of Glens FallsHigh School.
LTC Hamell is a veteran of the United States Army with active duty from July 1943 to November of 1945. He saw action on D-Day +5, the Battle of the Bulge and other European fronts all the way from Normandy and across the ElbeRiver. He was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Belgian Fourragere and the Belgian Croix de Guerre for action in World War II as a forward observer in the artillery.
LTC Hamell, AUS served in the Army Reserve from November 1945 to 1981, retiring as the Commander of the 1st Battalion, 389th Infantry Regiment, 98th Division. He was a proud member of Congressman Gerald B. Solomon’s service academy selection committee after retiring from the reserves.
He was also a member of the American Legion Post #1518 of Argyle, a life member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post #6196 of Queensbury, a member of the Benevolent and Protective order of the Elks Lodge #81, a life member of the Reserve Officer’s Association and past president of the Adirondack Chapter of that organization.
Prior to a career with GE, he was in the automotive service industry. He retired in 1983 after 18 years in the capacitor department at GE.
His hobbies included golf, fishing, bowling and woodworking and never saying no to a game of Scrabble.
Survivors include his three daughters; Karen L. Gray and Sharon A. Fitzsimmons of Florida and Susan Carlton of Texas: Ten grandchildren; Phillip and Kari Camp of Queensbury, William and Sue Camp of Florida, Colonel Jeffrey and Andrea Camp of Dubai and Georgia, Kelly Fitzsimmons, Christine Camp of New York, Tyrone and Nat Fitzsimmons of Buffalo, Andrew and Lisa Camp of Queensbury, Michael Muratori and Scott and Tracy Dziekonski of Texas, Nathaniel and Jill Gray of Renton, Washington: 18 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and his Aunt Lillian Powers of Warrensburg.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Stanton Nursing Home, The Pines Nursing Home and the Landing, where LTC Hamell made lasting friendships with the staff and took great pleasure in how at home they made him feel.
While we can’t express fully how grateful we are, we would also like to thank his best friend, chauffeur, shopper, shaver, and all-round caretaker, Cassi Fleury. She brightened his day, enjoyed Red Lobster, ice cream and many trips to the Crown PointBridge together. She was always ready to debate with “Mr.Bob” as she affectionately called him.
Friends may call from 4-7 on Thursday, September 26th at the Carleton Funeral Home at 68 Main Street in HudsonFalls.
Services will be held at noon on Friday, September 27th at the funeral home with Deacon Bazinet officiating.
Burial, with full military honors will take place at 2:30 pm on September 27th in the Gerald B. H.SolomonSaratogaNationalCemetery, on Duell Road in the Town of Stillwater.
Memorial donations may be sent to Paws for Purple Hearts, donations can be made at www.pawsforpurplehearts.org.
Pete and I were so sorry to read off Bob’s passing. We would see him once and a while with Cassie. My parents had a lot of happy times with Jackie and Bob. Our thoughts are with you all God Bless
Gail and Pete Luciano
The world was a better place because Lt. Col. Hammel was in it. A true gentleman in every sense of the world. He will be missed by many.
I was very sadden to hear of Bob’s passing. My children and myself have fond memories of spending time with Bob and Jackie.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Thoughts are going out to Bob’s family.
John Potvin