Joseph J. Hammel

Joseph J. Hammel

AGE: 93 • Lakewood

Joseph J. Hammel, 93, of Lakewood, passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at Ocean Medical Center in Brick. Joseph was born in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, NY on June 2, 1920. He is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Elizabeth Hammel, his daughter, Mary Carol Ann, who died in infancy. His seven sisters and brothers and by his first wife, Caroline Renner Hammel.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary K. Phelan-Hammel; his seven children, Joseph G. Hammel, Barbara and her husband Ed Wood, Stephen Hammel, John Hammel and his wife Carmen, Mary Niosi, Cheryl and her husband Mark Smith and Donna Pauling; his grandchildren, Cathy Ann Hammel, Jennifer McCabe, John and Amy Mangan, Stephanie Hammel, Ray and David Artis; his great-grandchildren, Brittany Marie McCabe, Caitlin Caye Arenals, Donely Stanley and Anna Caroline Mangan and several nieces and nephews.

Joseph J. Hammel lived and grew up in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn during the "Great Depression", all of his brothers and sisters worked to help support the family through those difficult times.

He married Caroline Renner and they had eight children, but Mary Carol Ann died in infancy. They moved to Pompton Plains and later to Stockholm, NJ where he and his wife raised their seven children.

He had several professions, but the last and the one he loved the most was his association with Prudential Insurance, where he excelled for over 20 years. He treated his policy holders like family and he had their trust even after his retirement some would call to ask his advice and help with Insurance matters, where he was only too glad to help.

His first wife, Caroline died in March of 1987. In January of 1990, he married Mary K. Phelan Hammel, although there was a difference in age it was not an obstacle, for love, respect and devotion which they shared.

Everyone who knew him loved and respected him and to his wife he was the kindest, dearest gentleman she ever knew.

He was very religious, his Catholic faith meant everything to him, he was a Secular Franciscan and tried to live his life in accordance with its precepts.

His strong Catholic faith was a gift to his wife Mary, they were devoted to each other and their faith helped them through many trying and difficult times.

May his dear soul rest in peace. May he hear the words "Well done, good and faithful servant. Come into the kingdom I have prepared for you"- Rest in peace Dear Joey.