Robert "Bobby" Alan Hammel, 71, of Allentown, PA, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, under hospice care at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Twp. He was the husband of Bonnie (Stitts) Hammel. Born in Pottsville, PA, he was the son of the late Simon Ehrlich Hammel and Ernestine (Loeb) Hammel Urken. Bobby attended Temple Beth El and was a member of Congregation Sons of Israel and Congregation Keneseth Israel, all of Allentown, as well as Temple Sinai of Glendale, CA. He was a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University and went on to be the Co-Proprietor of the family business, JC Ehrlich Pest Control.

Bobby was a community leader, serving as past President of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, Honorary Vice President of the Federation board, three term President of the Jewish Community Center, President of Temple Beth El and actively supported Jewish Family Services, the Jewish Day School, and the Boy Scouts of America. Known for his extraordinary generosity and compassion, his kindness was only exceeded by his selflessness.

In addition to his love of the Lehigh Valley, Bobby enjoyed spending summers "down the shore" in Ocean City, NJ, and wintering with his grandchildren in California.

Over his 7-year battle with cancer Bobby never lost his optimism or terrific sense of humor.

Survivors: Wife; Sons, Simon Hammel (Elaine), Aaron Hammel, Benjamin Hammel (Tracey) and Nathan Hammel; Brothers, Victor Hammel (Dena) and Steven Hammel (Renee); Sister -in-Law, Martha Hammel; and Grandsons, Lucas, Jackson, Owen, Henry, and Louie. He is predeceased by his Brother, Lee Hammel.

Services: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Temple Beth El, 1305 Springhouse Road, Allentown, PA. Interment in Beth El Memorial Park, Whitehall. Arrangements by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, Allentown.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Temple Beth El Hammel Fund, Jewish Community Center of Allentown, Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, and the Rising Tide Community Loan Fund.

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

Published by Morning Call on Dec. 15, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hammel

Sponsored by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes, P.C. - Allentown.

24 Entries

Bob Allen

February 4, 2025

Bobby was a great friend and leader. I met Bobby when I started with J.C. Erlich in 1989. He was tireless to say the least. He was indeed a great inspiration and always had a gentle smile to all. He will be missed for sure.

Pat O´Hara

December 9, 2024

Bobby was so much fun growing up in Pottsville. I can still see his smile and hear his laugh. Rest in Peace Bone! (his nickname)

Stacey Prohaska

December 29, 2023

I am honored to have served on the Board of the JCC with Bobby. What a thoughtful, kind and generous man. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Leonard Douglen

December 28, 2023

A truly nice person. He always greeted everyone with a warm genuine smile. May his soul rest in peace.

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John Sutton

December 28, 2023

I had the honor of working at Ehrlich for 17 years for a wonderful family and group of co-workers
Bobby was a true servant leader who made everyone feel comfortable and had an incredible sense of humor. My family´s condolences are share with Team Hammel

Patrick O´Hara

December 21, 2023

Grew up with Bobby "Bone" Hammel in Pottsville. He was a great guy and my brother Tim and I will miss his easy manner and sense of humor.

Caroline Alois Trezise

December 21, 2023

Bobby was a best friend to my brother Rick since grade school and was like part of my family as we also lived a block apart....my sincere condolences to his family....I am sure you have many great memories to carry in your hearts.

Raymond Clymer ..Ehrlich Shamokin

December 20, 2023

So sorry, in my thoughts and prayers

john chaplinsky

December 19, 2023

I met Bobby in Middle and high school in POttsville. We also had the opportunity to study together in Germany one summer. I remember him as one of the people who chose to be kind when it was easy to tease and torment. A fine person.

marie toth

December 17, 2023

Bonnie & family; Sorry for your loss of a great man. Just remember the good memories of past years and all he has done for everyone. Know he will be watching over all of you day to day.

Brian Smith

December 16, 2023

I first met Bob in the fall of 1969. We became roommates for all 4 years we were at Penn State. At that time, we all knew him as Bone. I'm pretty sure we starting laughing the first night we met and didn't stop for the next 4 years. Of all the things I got from Penn State, the most important was the circle of friends that we still have to this day.

Although we drifted apart geographically, we maintained our friendship for almost 50 years. There will always be a hole in my life knowing that I can't talk to him anymore. Bless you Bonnie and the boys.

Brian Smith

Jonathan and Keri West

December 16, 2023

We are so very sad to hear of Bobby´s passing. We had the pleasure of welcoming Bobby and Bonnie every winter to their favorite apartment at the Americana in Glendale. Bobby was always so kind to everyone, both he and Bonnie were extraordinary and made a mark on our hearts. We send our deepest condolences and love.

Cindy Daniels

December 16, 2023

Bonnie, I am so sorry for your loss. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Vicky Bergenstock Catletti

December 15, 2023

Bonnie and family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in prayer and my deepest condolences.

Gene & Ann Ginsberg

December 15, 2023

Bobby was a friend, neighbor, fellow member of Temple Beth El, and one of my former patients until I retired 12 years ago. Despite several serious medical problems, he was always gracious to me and my staff, and always optimistic. He really was the epoitome of a generous, talented, and kind man. Also, a terrfic family man and a leader who was an inspiration to everyone who knew him.

Joan (Peron) Ronca

December 15, 2023

My deepest sympathy to Bobby`s family. I have wonderful memories of Bone as a classmate and friend from Pottsville. We spent many happy times at his home with our group of friends. Bobby always made us smile and laugh! Such a sweetheart! Rest in peace, Bone.

Roberta and Alan Penn

December 15, 2023

Our community lost a pillar. His legacies will live on. Sending comfort to Bonnie and his children and grandchildren.

Lovey (Tominosky) Scully

December 15, 2023

Bonnie and family, I am so sorry to read of Bobby's passing. I will always remember him as one great guy. May he rest in peace.
Lovey (Tominosky) Scully . Seattle, WA

Linda and Murray Garber

December 15, 2023

Dear Bonnie,
Murray and I would like to extend our sincere condolences to you and your family on Bobbie´s passing. He was a good guy and, no doubt, will be missed by everyone who knew him. May his memory forever be a blessing!

Anonymous

December 15, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Cheryl Reitz

December 15, 2023

One of the nicest & kindest! May his memory be for a blessing!

Chuck Harvey

December 14, 2023

From the Williamsport Ehrlich office we send our condolences. What a great man with a great sense of humor.

David Garverick

December 14, 2023

As a retired employee of JC Ehrlich for 38 yrs it was a honor to know Bobby as a Special Person to work for.May he RIP,Condolences to the family.