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Michael Hamilton Obituary

Michael P. Hamilton of Wheaton Funeral services for Michael P. Hamilton, 47, will begin at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, at the Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, 430 E. Roosevelt Road (one block east of Naperville Road), Wheaton, and proceed to St. John the Baptist Church (new church), where a Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Born July 1, 1955, in Chicago, he died Wednesday, April 16, 2003, in Las Vegas. Interment will be held privately. Mr. Hamilton was a 1973 graduate of Wheaton Central High School, where he was presented the National Hallmark Award in his senior year. He was a local entertainer and songwriter for many years and Michael appeared on several telethons for cerebral palsy. He will be remembered as a very encouraging and kind man. Michael was the loving husband of Rosanne (nee De Micco); beloved father of Maria (Ryan) Broce; dearest son of Eleanor (nee Crowley) and the late John; dear brother of Mary (Roger) Tully, Jack (Jennifer), Dan (Kathy), Teri (Jim) McNerney, Joe (Bonnie), Kitty (Gary) Bruno, Marge (Cary) Coleman, Steve (Barb), Ann Hamilton (Cookie Riola), Jim, Pat, Nori (Mark) Eder, Chris (Jim) Neilsen and Alice (Mike) Furgason; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews; and devoted friend of Paul Schuler, Thom Keith and Richard Hayes. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday, at the funeral home. Friends may visit www.dailyherald.com/obits to express condolences and sign the guest book. For funeral information, (630)668-0016.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Herald from Apr. 17 to Apr. 18, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Hamilton

Not sure what to say?





sue Bovee Gullang

May 9, 2003

Ann Hamilton- Hi this is sue Bovee Gullang from our class of 74. So Sorry to hear about your brother Mike death. My sincerest sympathy to your family

Carl and Sue Bovee Gullang

May 4, 2003

A Dreamer’s Legacy

A young, sweet boy so innocent and kind, energized and loving, with ideas in his mind.



Eventually that boy grew into a man, Hollywood aspirations becoming his plan…this man on a mission: his name was Michael Patrick Hamilton.



It began at Wheaton Central with his comedic Richard Nixon, a comedian, actor, artist and aspiring musician.



He moved to California to make a name for himself, brought along his Hallmark Award to begin filling the shelf.



At age 24 he appeared on Dinah Shore, impersonating Andy Williams and Johnny Mathis gave him fuel for more.



The big break arrived when he performed on a Telethon, the whole family tuned in bleary-eyed, with his performance at early dawn!



As the years pass on, with ideas always in bloom,“I am working on this talk show that I hope to launch soon!”

Of all of his desires, the favorite of his choice, was to share with the world his passionate singing voice.



A dreamer, a romantic who always strived for more, his fortitude unyielding in spite of a closed door.



Memories of “Uncle Micker’s” lighting up a room, he enjoyed socializing, limo rides and entertaining by the moon.



On the outside a happy/classy spirit who loved the Christmas season, deep down a lonely heart, his songs lamented for a reason.



Emotional nostalgia with those he knew cared, now indelible memories in the loved ones with whom he shared.



“I’m moving to Las Vegas, to pursue my big break!”- “I’m working on this screenplay, success I hope to make”



His is a sorrowful passing, a young man exiting this place, but happy, because he truly believed in the Lord’s saving grace.



So today I am thankful for having known this man, I appreciated his limitless energy and his mantra of “I can!”

Not only was he talented, kind-hearted and forgiving, he should be remembered, for trying his best at living.



I will surely miss his smile, laugh and celebrity zeal,“Each time I don this wig, you can call me Jason Steele!”:)



On those days when life’s defeating storms disrupt the calming streams, just remind yourself of his legacy…

A DREAMER WHO NEVER GAVE UP ON HIS DREAMS!

Maria Broce

April 26, 2003

I miss you dad. But I thank you for giving me the chance to love you for you these last few months! I never thought I would be blessed with a trusting and open relationship with you. You trusted me with your heart. By trusting me, you showed true love, became vulnerable and uncertain, and received TRUE love in return. I've been thanking God every day for the closeness he gave us. And the strength he gave you to trust and love me wholely. So now my days are filled with sadness that the days were not more, but also filled with joy that there were days with just us and our love. It's all that I ever hoped for and what I'll always carry with me!! I love you forever and ever for all that you were and even now, all that you are. You've left us all with many treasures and will live (and sing) in our hearts always!

Love your stubborn, but very proud daughter,

Maria

Megan McNerney

April 24, 2003

We will all miss you very much! I will never forget the smile on your face everytime I saw you and the sound of your wonderful laugh. I am soo glad that you were a part of my life and that I got to hear your heavenly voice personally. Now you are able to sing with the Angels in Heaven and shine like the star that you are. I love you and you will be missed tremendously. Give Grandpa Hamilton a huge hug and a kiss!

We love you Uncle Mike!

Susan Whittaker Chiostri

April 22, 2003

I was absolutely stunned when I heard this news. I am grateful that I had the privilege to have heard Mike sing, witnessed his many talents, and enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor. There's no doubt in my mind that there's a new star in Heaven!

Jane Fisher

April 20, 2003

To the Hamilton Families:

I wish to offer my condolences to you all in the passing of Michael.I do remember his many singing engagemnets at Wheaton Central High School Auditorium. He was a wonderful student and kind human being. He will be missed most dearly.



Sincerely,

Jane E. Fisher WWSHS

David J. Summers

April 18, 2003

Good memories of Mike and family, especially the Sunday evenings in Wheaton long ago. Mike, you always had the most talent. News like this takes a while to sink in. My condolences to the whole Hamilton family.

florence and joe foy

April 18, 2003

Dear elinor and family-we're both so saddened to hear of the loss of your Michael.How difficult to lose him at such an early age. We will keep him and all of you in our prayers. Love, Florence and Joe.

Ann Hamilton

April 18, 2003

Hey Michael,

Remember our first gig together-the nursing home, looking into a sea of blank expressions, singing "All the Lonely People". It was one of the few songs we knew then!

Thanks for challenging me all those early years. I remember the many meals at Wheaton Resturaunt when you shared you're dreams. You never stopped dreaming and along the way you met no stranger - just a story yet to be told. I've witnessed many times your bringing a smile to someones face. Though we grieve now there is also a hell-of-a-lot of laughter mixed in. I am thankful to Jesus for answering my prayer and taking you home to be with Him. I love you Mikey! Your Sister, Ann or Nan as you would say.

Frank Whittaker

April 18, 2003

My condolences to all the Hamiltons. I was so surprised to read the news this morning. I'll always remember Mike growing up on Saddle Road, and later at Central. He'll be missed.



Frank "Chip" Whittaker

Donna English

April 18, 2003

I have admired your wonderful Art work along with your outstanding music and all of your wife RoseAnnes wonderful stories about you and I felt as if I knew you and you will be missed tremendously. Are prayers are with you and your family.



With warmest regards,

Donna English

Chris Neilsen

April 17, 2003

I'll miss you Mike and will never forget your sense of humour, your encouraging words since I was little and your passion for life and beautiful things. What you couldn't grab onto in life I pray you are experiencing in heaven and I look forward to seeing you again. The Choir and music up there is perfect and is enhanced by you this year! Give Dad (and of course Jesus) a big hug from me. Sorry about all the jokes cracked by me in the funeral planning but I could hear you whispering them in my ear. Bye for now my dearest brother.

Love in Christ,

Chrissy

Nori Eder

April 17, 2003

Wow...not exactly the thing I woke up and wanted to do today Mike...Have been listening to Anne Murray in your honor...you know how we loved her and her music eh? I always took it as a great compliment that you thought I was like her...I miss ya and wish I could call ya once more in the middle of the afternoon when she would be on the talk show singing and you and I would sing along with her over the phone...Mike you and I and anyone close to ya knows that you could schmooze with the best of them...but I never doubted for one minute that your love and your caring for your family and friends(and you have many of both...lol)was genuine and shall be greatly missed. The earth has lost a wonderful man and great entertainer...but Heaven's choir is just that much more beautiful cuz you are there. Give Jesus a hug and kiss for me will ya and I shall see ya again my sweet brother. Your sister in Christ,Nori

PS. You know your service will be the first family function where the rest of us kids get a word in edgewise...I know you would laugh at that...you always knew how to laugh at everything...love ya!

Merilee & John Miller

April 17, 2003

Nori,Mark and Family. We are saddened by your loss. Your Faith will somehow get you through this very sad occasion. Prayers are with your Family.

Sarah Coleman

April 17, 2003

If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. We will all miss you so very much. I remember your smile so cleary you didn't even have to tell me to smile. You are one great uncle you will be missed and never forgotten.You are now in a better place.

Love Alaways,

Sarah

Margaret Coleman

April 17, 2003

Well, what can I say except what they say about you Mike is correct...you were always a very kind and encouraging individual. I am numb with grief over your passing. I am going to miss you dearly, and I will trust that you are rocking in the arms of Jesus now. I have wonderful memeories of growing up laughing at your impersonations, crying at your rough times, and rejoicing at your many successes...because your ability to make friends was very successful! I will always love you my sweet, kind, ever searching brother. Luke 15:6

Love In Christ,

Your sister Marge

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