Andrew Carroll Hamelin

Andrew Carroll Hamelin, 75, of Derry, New Hampshire, passed away Monday, March 23, 2026, at Elliot Hospital in Manchester, NH, surrounded by his loving family. Andy was born August 5,1950, in Middleborough, Massachusetts, the son of the late Vincent and Priscilla (Jefts) Hamelin. He was raised in both Clearwater, Florida, and in Melrose, Massachusetts, where he graduated from high school. He attended Norwich University before his studies were interrupted when he enlisted to serve his country. Andy proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he earned his Bachelor's degree in History from Suffolk University in Boston.

A resident of Derry for 42 years, Andy built a life centered on family, faith, and community. He dedicated many years working for Federal Express at the Manchester Airport facility, beginning as a courier and later becoming a dispatcher. He took great pride in his work, especially in the days before GPS, when navigating required instinct and a deep familiarity with maps.

Andy was known for his quick wit, memorable one-liners, and many passions, including travel, history, and firearms. He was an avid gun collector, enjoyed shooting sports, enjoyed recruiting activities for Norwich University and participated in Revolutionary War reenactments. He especially cherished traveling with his family and visiting his wife's homeland of Italy where he had many relatives who loved him as their own. Andy also never missed the annual Army–Navy Football game. Above all, Andy was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest pride was his family and especially his grandchildren whom he frequently called "the apple of his eye". He loved them dearly and made sure they knew it every chance he got to tell them.

He was a longtime parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3023, and a member of VFW Post 1617.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Paula (Ceccarini) Hamelin; his three daughters and their husbands, Ilaria and Greg Zinser and their children Elliana, Samuel, and Nathaniel; Kassia and Edward Tessier and their children Ava and Cassidy; and Serena Hamelin and her life partner Lyman Messer, II, and their children Liviana and Lyman, III; as well as his loving sister, Melissa and her husband Ivan Fleischman, and their son Mitchell.

Andy will be remembered for his strength especially in light of adversity, grit, knowledge, humor, and the steady love he gave to those around him. His legacy lives on through his family and all who knew him. He now rests eternally in the loving arms of God.

Calling hours will be held Friday, March 27th from 10:00 to 11:30am at Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry with a Catholic Prayer service at 11:30am. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon after the prayer service at the Tessier/Hamelin home in Derry. A private family interment will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Massachusetts General Hospital, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114 Attn: Memorial Gifts.