HAMEL, Dana A. Of North Palm Beach, Florida, a devoted father and grandfather, accomplished businessman, and generous philanthropist, whose quiet vision helped transform the University of New Hampshire, passed away on September 4, 2025, at the age of 94, at his beloved summer home in Tuftonboro, New Hampshire. Dana was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Kathryn Poore Hamel; his brother, Stanley Arthur Hamel; his sister-in-law, Suzanne (Poore) Davis and her husband, Kingsbury Davis. He is survived by his three children: David Arthur Hamel (Debbie Hamel), Douglas Poore Hamel (Teresa Hamel), and Karen Pauline Hamel Simas (John Simas); his grandchildren: Sean Oliver Hamel, Sarah Clark-Hamel, Skyler Dana Clark-Hamel (Stacey LeClair), Eleanor "Ellie" Kathryn Simas, Corbin Dana Simas (Isabel Berzansky), Bradley John Simas and Dylan Arthur Hamel. His three nieces: Jennifer Davis, Cynthia Davis Jackson and Kathryn Davis Howard; and their families. And his wife, Karol Ann Hamel. He is also survived by his extended family and friends who cherished his wisdom and generosity. Born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on April 15, 1931, Dana was the second son of Arthur Anthony and Pauline Maria (Little) Hamel. His childhood was marked by both resilience and independence, shaped in part by the loss of his mother at a young age. After graduating from Haverhill High School, he attended Harvard College, where he earned his degree in economics in 1952, followed by an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in 1954. At the age of 25, Dana served as an officer in the U.S. Army's Quartermaster Corps, before beginning a successful business career. He worked for Dow Chemical and Valtek Plastics Company, before spending a few years solely investing. Then in 1964, Dana (along with his childhood friend, Martin Chooljian), co-founded Penn Corporation, a consumer products company in Princeton, New Jersey, where he served as chairman until its sale in 1987. While a successful businessman, Dana found his greatest purpose in philanthropy. He made an impact in many local organizations and institutions, and served on several boards both in New Hampshire and Florida. Over the last three decades, Dana and his family contributed to the University of New Hampshire. Convinced of the university's vital role in the state's future, Dana committed himself to ensuring that generations of students would have opportunities to thrive. Dana's vision created the Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research, the Hamel Student Recreation Center, and the Hamel Honors and Scholars College. Many students have and will continue to benefit from scholarships he funded. His generosity continues to expand students' access to research, leadership, and personal growth opportunities. Dana also had a passion for travel, visiting over 70 countries. He loved photographing wildlife and observing people in different cultures. He would request to visit local markets to better understand the people and how they lived. Dana saw that happiness was not about possessions or even longevity, but rather family, ethics, hard work and community. Despite his extraordinary contributions, Dana was known for his humility and personal warmth. He preferred to stay out of the spotlight, focusing instead on the lives changed by his giving. Friends and colleagues recall his wit, thoughtfulness, and deep love for his family. There will be a private family Graveside Service and a Burial at Linwood Cemetery, in Haverhill, MA. At a later date, a Memorial Service will be held at the Lost Tree Chapel, in North Palm Beach, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UNH Foundations, Inc., Attn: Tara Belanger, 9 Edgewood Ave., Durham, NH 03824, The Lakes Region VNA, 186 Waukewan Street, Meredith, NH 03253 or Lost Tree Charitable Foundation, 8 Church Lane, North Palm Beach, FL 33408. Lord Funeral Home of WOLFEBORO, NH will be assisting the family with arrangements. If you would like to leave a fond memory or condolence, please visit www.lordfuneralhome.com Visiting Hours: A gathering of friends and family will be held at Bald Peak Colony Club, on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All friends are welcome. View the online memorial for Dana A. HAMEL
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