Daniel J. Hamel

Daniel J. Hamel, of Salisbury, MA, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Born in Lawrence, MA, on September 23, 1945, Dan was the son of the late Lionel and Helen (Graney) Hamel and the older brother of the late Michael Hamel. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1963 and from UMass Amherst in 1967. Dan began his career as a high school history teacher in Hyde Park, NY, working with a group he fondly referred to as the "original sweathogs."

After marrying his loving wife, Jean (Courtemanche)-with whom he celebrated 57 years of marriage-Dan transitioned into what became a successful 35+ year career in technology. Supported by postgraduate studies at the University of Virginia and Harvard University, along with an MBA from Northeastern, he rose quickly through the ranks. He spent more than 25 years helping lead Digital Equipment Corporation as Vice President and General Manager, and later served as CIO of Hughes Network Systems in Gaithersburg, MD-a role his children found ironic, as he frequently asked for help simply turning on the computer or as he referred to it "the system." Despite any perceived "technology challenges," Dan's real gift was leadership; he built teams rooted in loyalty, camaraderie, and lifelong friendship.

Although work took him around the globe, Dan and Jean ultimately settled for more than two decades in Westford, MA, while spending every summer at their beloved Salisbury beach house. After retiring early, they divided their time between their family compound in Salisbury and their home in Summerfield, FL, where these self-proclaimed "active adults" filled their days with golf, bocce, trivia nights, and dancing to live music in the town square.

Behind Dan's stoic demeanor was a man who loved watching the Red Sox and Patriots, playing 45's, drinking beer out of a wine glass, monitoring the stock market ticker, and spinning tales of days gone by to the great delight of his grandchildren.

Dan is survived by his devoted wife, Jean; his three children and their families: Danielle Allard and her husband, Glenn, of Salem, NH, and their sons, Kurt and Ryan; Denise Hamel of Newburyport, MA, and Dan's favorite grand-dog, Huckaby; and Paul Hamel and his wife, Olivia, of Clifton, VA, and their daughters, Avery and Lily. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral mass will take place at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at St. Theresa Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, 22 Plymouth Street, Methuen, MA. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Dan's honor to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org. To share memories, stories, or condolences, please visit www.methuenfh.com.