Raymond D. Hamel

PELHAM, NH - Raymond D. Hamel, 80, a longtime resident of Pelham, NH died Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at Lowell General Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Joyce "Bev" (Harper) Hamel, to whom he has been married for 58 years.

He was born in Lowell on November 19, 1936, and was a son of the late Joseph H. and Adele (Therriault) Hamel. He received his education in Dracut schools.

Ray served his country in the United States National Guard Infantry.

He was a founder and co-owner of Hamel Bros. Service in Lowell, which he started with his brothers in Dracut in 1957 before moving to their current location on Pawtucket Boulevard in Lowell in 1960.

Ray believed strongly in community and volunteered countless hours with the Pelham Lions Club, raising funds for worthy causes in Pelham. He was also a member of the Dracut Knights of Columbus, Arthur U. Joyal Council #4225.

Ray was an avid sports fan, passionately following all the major New England sports teams. He carried that passion into following the sports activities of his grandchildren, often traveling for hours to see a game or tournament. He and Bev lived more than half of each year in their cherished motorhome, splitting time between Florida and New Hampshire. In both locales, Ray's primary pursuits were golf, socializing, bowling, and waxing his motorhome. And in both locales, Ray was loved by all.

In addition to his wife, Ray is survived by two sons, Kevin R. Hamel and his wife Lisa J. States, M.D., of Plymouth Meeting, PA, and Russell D. Hamel and his wife Joanne of Pelham, NH; four grandchildren, Brittany, Steven, Eva, and Russell; a brother, Maurice "Bill" Hamel and his wife Pauline of Dracut; a sister, Cecile Gagnon of Dracut; and many nieces and nephews. He was also the father of the late Steven M. Hamel. He was the brother of the late Paul Hamel, Albert Hamel, Theresa McNally, and Estelle Reeves; and the son-in-law of the late Harvey and Agnes Harper.