John Hammel Obituary
John was born in Brooklyn, NY. He moved with his family, to River Edge, NJ in 1943. He graduated from Bergen Catholic HS (1962) in Oradell, NJ, where he excelled at basketball. He held the high school record for the total career points scored at Bergen until the three point shot was established in high schools. In his senior year, he was named All County and All State in the sport, as well as High School All American by Sport magazine and received forty college athletic scholarship offers, accepting the one to Loyola University in New Orleans, LA.
John was drafted into the US Army in June of 1967 and served a tour of duty in the war in Viet Nam. He was honorably discharged in 1969 having received the National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Campaign Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Commendation Medal for his service. In 1970, John became a police officer on the River Edge Police Department, rising to the rank of lieutenant, heading the Juvenile Bureau and becoming the first DARE Officer in the borough. He served the department for 28 years before retirement in 1998 and continued, as a civilian, doing a tour of duty in the town grammar schools, as a lecturer on school history and growing up in River Edge.
During his police service, John graduated from Bergen Community College, Paramus NJ with a degree in Police Science and from Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Tunnel 2 Towers organization, https://t2t.org/donate/ would be appreciated.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John K Hammel, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Al maragliano
February 4, 2026
I met and was befriended by John while employed by my father , Daniel Maragliano at Garden St Farms
He and Mike O´Brien not only worked togethor, but were gracious enough to take me into the "Garden" . At that time NYU was a basketball powerhouse ; being with John and Mike was great companionship / got me out of working at the store
Ed and Barb Betz
January 27, 2026
John, we are saddened to learn of your passing. Always enjoyed the times we spent with you and Jane. You're a true gentleman and will be missed.
God blessings be with you, Barb&Ed Betz
Michael Biggar
January 17, 2026
Sorry to hear this. Prayers to the family.He was a large part of the Biggar Family while he and dad worked together and grew up together . He will always be remembered.
Michael Biggar
Erica Quinn Monaco
January 14, 2026
Sorry to read this. My father Ken Quinn worked with John for many years in the police department. Both my parents thought so highly of him. I hope they´ve met up again. Such a true gentleman. Prayers to the Hammel family. (I believe my Mother, Rickey worked with Jane as well) Sincerely Erica Quinn Monaco
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Kris Lukesh
January 1, 2026
I had the privilege of traveling with John in 2007 (Budapest and Prague) as well as 2008 (Poland). He loved the sense of adventure. And he could tell stories like no other - - The energized gleam of his eyes . . . The sarcastic tone of his voice . . . And the overall positive vibe he gave off while entertaining those who would listen. The end result was always the same; we all laughed and wanted more John stories. Time and time again.
The photo above is of John telling one of his great stories in Poland over dinner to another friend (Mike). The photo speaks more than words can describe.
I´ll miss the stories, John. Thank you for being a part of my life.
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