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Stuart Hammel Obituary
Stuart Frederick "Stu" Hammel of 910 Suellen Drive, Reading, died in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Jan. 4, in the company of his beloved wife Twila. Stu was born on Sept. 20, 1948.
Preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Raymond H. Hammel and Marjorie Abramowitz Hammel, Stu is survived by his wife of 35 years, Twila Hammel; daughter, Jessica Hammel Coleman of Philadelphia; his granddaughter, Michayla Coleman of New Mexico; his sister, Lauren Erdman, and her husband Rick of Macungie; nieces: Alisa Vogel, Jessica Raikes, Julianna Negam, and Cayley Paknik; and nephews: Jeff Erdman, Johnny Paknik, Daniel Paknik, and Elisha Paknik; and two great-nieces, Kam-ryn Vogel and Kinsley Raikes; his sisters-in-law Brenda Paknik Negam and Linda Paknik; brothers-in-law, John Paknik Jr. and David Paknik and wife Della; his mother-in-law, Ida Pak-nik; and his son by choice, Rusty Bard, his wife Jennifer and their children, Taylor Matetich and Christian, Cydney and Cierra Bard; as well as the two family dogs, Winnie and Niles.
Stu graduated from Reading High School in 1968. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Penn State Main Campus and a Master of Arts from the University of Maryland.
A Professor of Communications and Debate at West Virginia Weslyan and Fair-mont State College, Stu coached a team to the National Debate Tournament, sponsored by The American Forensics Assn. and The Ford Foundation.
He later served as an Employee Benefits Manager for CarTech and directed Workers Comp. litigation at CNA. After retirement, Stu had his own business brokering and selling specialty cars, focusing on his particular passion, the Mercedes-Benz. In developing his business, Stu was able to indulge another passion: travel. From South Africa to Western and Eastern Europe, to Russia and China, Stu made friends wherever he went.
For 15 years as President of the International M-100 Mercedes-Benz Group, Stu was invited to the annual Mercedes-Benz Clubs Presidents Meeting in Stuttgart, Germany, along with presidents of clubs from around the world. Stu recently attended the by-invitation-only Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Car Show.
But in Reading, what will be remembered most are Stu's years as a competitive swimming coach for various clubs, including Reading YMCA, Four Seasons Swim Club (FSSC), Reading Aqua-tic Club, Muhlenberg Aqua-tic Club (MAC), and The Five Star USS Swim Club. During his career, Stu coached two U.S. teams at the Solar Cup Meet in Germany and served as head coach of the Eastern Zone All Star team for two seasons.
Friends may call at Henninger Funeral Home on Monday, Jan. 9 from noon to 2 p.m. for the viewing and to meet the family. The funeral service, officiated by Rabbi Michelson of Temple Oheb Sholom, will immediately follow. Burial will be in Mt. Sinai Cemetery. After burial, family and friends are invited to an Open House at the Hammel home on Suellen Drive, in Stu's memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local SPCA.
Please leave condolences online at www.henningerfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stuart Hammel
Lauren Erdman
January 2, 2025
Stu, it's your sister, Lauren. It's been 8 years since your passing. I think of you almost everyday & deeply miss you. I love you.
Bill
September 1, 2023
Twila, sorry to read about Stu. If you care to send me you work 800# I WiLL CALL at Ehrlich.
Bill
[email protected]
Jennifer-Ann Ross
January 11, 2012
I've known Stu since we were in 6th grade together, so as it is for so many others, I feel deeply saddened by his passing but very happy that he was able to live life so fully. As children on Saturday mornings into afternoons, with a group of others, we'd head to an active downtown Reading and line up to see the first of a couple movies. Afterwards, we'd go to Kresgie's or one of the other Five and Dimes nearby to have a fountain soda then search out the newest 45 single records before walking home. Yes, Stu was ever studious in high school, very academically competitive but not a show-off about his grades. He'd encourage not put down. He also from his earliest days he'd quietly yet firmly champion people who might be picked on by others...even though he wasn't of Mohammed Ali's stature, he stood tall. That's one of my cherished memories, because even then he stood up, when others hung back. That's what we're called to do, and he did it even then. I remember him at the time of his Father's death, struck by the enormity of it...and his deep personal inward journey...so sad, but rising to be the man, and to help do what needed to be done and continued to be done afterwards for his Mother and Lauren. Oh, yes, he'd pick on his kid sister, but he truly loved her deeply even back then, as he'd shruggingly admit to some of us from time to time. There was a bond there that remained and grew with time. Well, as most of us do, we lost touch with each other for a time, then both of us moved back to Reading and ended up being employed simultaneiously by Carpenter, me in Public Relations and him in Benefits with Dick Wanner and Dennis Brown. That's when I met Twila, the love of his life, and Jess, their girl. We were never in each others' faces friends, but we remained friends. There was much joy that Stu shared with us all along the way, and I feel blessed within those gifts of time he shared. Indeed, Stu was a very active, free soul...vibrantly alive within each day, ever-changing and evolving, living with passion and commitment and conviction, making a difference within the lives of others. And he didn't suffer fools gladly, as his and Twila's dear friend Beth said at the services on Monday. For Stu, having to live with restrictions of any kind would not have been something he'd have......but he put up his best fight ever. Well, with tears running down my face, I know that his God and ours has taken him home.... I will forever see that devilish grin he often had on his face as a child, as he conceived of something mischievous to do, not yet done....And I'll remember his almost wicked laugh, always a response to good fun. Stu retained that impish natureto the delight of those around him. Stu was so keenly astute, would broaden conversations with his insightfulness. I was looking forward to more years of that, selfishly. He was such a vastly amusing, bright, and good man. I'm so thankful and happy he knew the love that could brighten his life and had it surrounding him in Twil all along the way. Their love was so strong. He will be remembered, and remembered well. Yesterday, many of us were present to take Stu to his rest. As people of faith, living through the grace and generosity of an awesomely-loving, always-present God, each of us, in his or her own way, tries to live into a calling 'to love our God with all our hearts' and each other. Stu was a beloved son of God who did much in his life. It is the love he lived that I choose above all else to recall. May that love surround Twila within her so deep and personal loss, and guide her in the time ahead to live and to love fully...to all those he touched. Love and peace to all. Stu, my brother, may you rest in peace and rise in glory!
Dennis & Fran Havens
January 10, 2012
Twila & Family - May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Thank you for sharing Stu with us for just a short time. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Stu.
Bill Saylor
January 9, 2012
Twila & Family; I will always remember Stu for his outgoing forward thinking leadership in the M100 Club, as you know, he has a great following and we will him tremendously; although I did not know you folks as well as I had hoped, we enjoyed your company on many occasions during the various M100 meets. I wish you all the best moving forward. Stu was a true gentleman, and I will not forget him.
Kind Regards
Bill & Alison Saylor
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Susan Deibler Loos
January 9, 2012
Dearest Hammel Family
Memories of my sister and Stu's rivalry are still very vivid in my thoughts. They were in high school together and we were neighbors. My sister and Stu competed over grades everyday. I can remember her coming home talking about how her grade was higher then his and on those occasions, and there were many, his grade was higher...watch out. My heartfelt sympathies to my childhood friend, Lauren, and her family.
John Paknik
January 9, 2012
Stu if was given the choice to pick my sisters husband and man to be my brother in law I would not ever in my best decision ever come close to finding a better man. Stu was a real gentleman and was very unique and genuine by nature. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Stu and he always seemed to be learning new things. Stu was the only person I know that could create a very respected position in the world for himself with his weath of knowledge and skills. From being a college professer to coaching swimming he was also a Mercedes consultant and President of the M100 club. He was reliable, well-mannered, he always had a smile on his face and he will be sadly missed by everyone. Rest in peace our dear friend.
Stu and I in Cape Town
Graham van Heerden
January 9, 2012
Stu, I shall miss you. We had a special bond and friendship. I am honored to have known you. It was great to share good times with you in the US, Germany and South Africa.
Lots of love and condolences to the family.
Reading Y 9 & 10 State Champs
Daniel Wise
January 8, 2012
I have many childhood memories of Stu. At Northwest Pool and the Reading Y. I will cherish these memories. You are a great coach and a great man and I am glad my children were able to meet you this past summer. Rest in peace, Stu
Faith Spracklin
January 8, 2012
Stu was my children's swim coach at Blue Falls and he left us with so many memories.What a wonderfull man he was and everyone who had the pleasure of his company are among the lucky.May God help his family through their loss. RIP my friend
Sherri Heckman
January 8, 2012
My memory of Stu is at Blue Falls swimming pool. He lead our team to victory after victory. I cherish those days. He was so tough but so loving. Rest in peace, Stu.
Tom Houck Jr.
January 8, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about Stu. I will always be grateful for everything he did for me as a child. He was truly a great man and will be missed. My deepest condolences go out to his entire family. Rest in peace Stu and thank you for being a wonderful individual.
Al Barskey
January 8, 2012
I am so sorry to learn about Stu's passing. He was a great swim coach who gave me opportunities of a lifetime and memories that will last forever. My deepest sympathy to all family and friends.
January 8, 2012
Twila,so sorry to hear about Stu! we had some great memories having you for our neighbors at (908)! PLEASE KNOW I AM HERE FOR YOU!!!610-451-0632 XOXO LISA JONES
Sue (and Lucas) Correll
January 8, 2012
Twila, I am so sorry to hear of Stu's passing. Grief is so hard but family and friends will give you strength to get through this most difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
chris caio's pizza
January 7, 2012
he will be sadlly missed..he was a good friend and a great person .....
chris caio's pizza
January 7, 2012
stu was my friend not my customer he will be sadly missed
Lauren Hammel Erdman
January 7, 2012
Stu, to my brother, advisor, jokester, reality checker & calm voice of reason. You always knew how to calm me down through all my stupid problems of the day. You were a fantastic uncle & great uncle to my children. I miss you & love you so much.
Drew Tibcken
January 7, 2012
To my good friend Stu. You expanded my world in ways I could not have imagined before I met you. You and Twila opened your home to me and my family anytime we were nearby and encouraged us to visit more often than we were able to. Where would I be without you and more importantly, what will we do without you. I feel lost and alone and I should have told you sooner that I loved you as a brother. Rest in peace my friend.
Carol Leinbach Hodes
January 7, 2012
I have fond memories of Stu, as we were in the Reading high school class of 1966. We were also swim team buddies at Wodenschire Country Club.
Kathleen Knockstead
January 7, 2012
I remember what a great coach Stu was at Northwest Pool.
My kids had a great time and plenty of hard work with Stu coaching them, especially when my son, Jim, rolled around the outside of the pool, which made Stu hysterical.
January 7, 2012
I remember when in 4th grade Stu expressing his liking ice hockey and his father Dr Hammelcoming in our class to talk to us. I thought Stu graduated in '66. Stanley Marcinkowski
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