John L. Hamel

NASHUA -- John L. Hamel, 68, died Dec. 12, 2008, at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester.

He was born in Woodsville on July 20, 1940, son of the late Everett Hamel and Edith (Meyette) Witham.

Mr. Hamel lived in Nashua for more than 22 years and formerly lived in Manchester for several years. He had been employed at Hewlett Packard for 23 years. Following his retirement, he had worked as a custom and residential carpenter. More recently, he had been employed at Lowe's in South Nashua until his illness.

He was a U.S. Army veteran.

The family includes his wife, Patricia J. (Toomey) Hamel of Nashua; four daughters, Jessica L. Hamel of Tampa, Fla., Jennifer L. Borgia of Northfield, and Christina Cutillo and Lisa Quintal, both of St. Mary's, Ga.; three sons, Derek Washburn of Liberty, S.C., Dana M. Harvey of Manchester, and Kevin A. Harvey of Milford; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister, Joan Faucette of Manchester; and a nephew.

IN HIS LIFE: John enjoyed everything about being outside whether it was snow blowing, yard work or tinkering on an outdoor project.

His real passion in life was his music and he loved to entertain. He was a talented singer, songwriter and guitar player and played under the stage name "Jon Hael" throughout the United States and Europe. He enjoyed passing down his knowledge of music to his children and grandchildren.

SERVICES: A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, Dec. 19 from 4-8 p.m. at his home on 19 Miami St., Nashua. Memorial donations may be made to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202 or online at www.leukemia-lymphoma.org.

Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm St., Milford, is handling arrangements.

For more information go to www.smith-heald.com.