Mark C. Hammer

Hammer, Mark C. WEST SAND LAKE Mark C. Hammer, 62, of Longview Avenue died Monday, January 10, 2011 in West Sand Lake after a long illness. Born in Troy, he was son of the late Charles J. Hammer Jr. and Constance L. Demers Hammer and husband for 32 years of Challen E. Stowers Hammer. He was raised in Grafton and resided in West Sand Lake and Averill Park areas most of his life. Mark was a graduate of Averill Park High School, class of 1966, earned a bachelor's degree from Hartwick College in Oneonta class of 1970 and earned two Master's degrees, one from The College of St. Rose and the other from Russell Sage College. Mr. Hammer, for many years, was employed as a computer programs analyst for Research Foundation of SUNY at the Institute for Traffic Safety and the School of Public Health. Previously he worked at the Infectious Disease Department of the Stratton VA Medical Center. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed cooking, traveling, reading and music. Survivors in addition to his wife include his son, Nathaniel 'Rob' Hammer, SanDiego, Calif.; his daughter, Morgan S. (Evan) Stritsman, Troy; his sister, Virginia A. (Peter) Ludder, West Sand Lake; his grandson, Cooper Stritsman and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at the DeGraaf-Bryce Funeral Home, Inc., 4392 Route 150, West Sand Lake with Rev. Susan Schultz, officiating. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 2-3 p.m. prior to the service. Contributions may be made in memory of Mark C. Hammer to the charity of one's choice. For a private family guest book and service directions, visit www.brycefh.com.