Richard Lee Hamel

Richard Lee Hamel 1951 - 2008 PITTSFIELD Richard Lee Hamel, 57, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 16, at Baystate Medical Center. Born in Pittsfield, March 22, 1951, son of the late Leroy and Constance Vreeland Hamel, he attended local schools and several colleges and was a 1969 graduate of Pittsfield High School. Mr. Hamel was employed for the last 28 years at The Berkshire Gas Company, where he held the position of Manager of Service and Quality Operations. He was an amateur HAM radio operator and an avid Red Sox fan. He enjoyed flower gardening with his wife, country music, and yearly family trips to Florida. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He and his wife, the former Charlene Gaylord, celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary this past Aug. 24. Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, Jennifer Hamel of Pittsfield, two granddaughters, Ashley and Alexis Hamel, a sister, Nancy Hurley of Pittsfield, one niece, one nephew, and his cat Ollie. He was predeceased by another sister, Elaine Manty in 2000. He will be truly missed by his family and friends. FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008 at 1 p.m. at the DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME with Mr. Hamel's brother-in-law James Lambert, an elder in the Pittsfield Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, officiating. Burial will follow in Pittsfield Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 4 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, donations in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association in care of the funeral home. To sign the guestbook or to send condolences, please visit www.devanny-condron.com