Robert Bob J. Hamel

Robert “Bob” J. Hamel, 91, died peacefully on Saturday October 10, 2015 at the RI Veteran’s Home in Bristol, RI. He was the loving husband of Elizabeth J. (Campanella) Hamel. They were married for 67 years. A lifelong Warren resident, he was the son of the late Henry and Grace (Thivierge) Hamel.

Bob was educated in the Warren school system and enlisted in the US Navy in 1942, serving in the Pacific aboard an LSM as a QM2C. He was present at the invasion of Okinawa and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

He was employed by Almac’s Inc. for 23 years, retiring in 1985. He also worked for Bay Queen Cruises and various other establishments as a bartender until 2009. Bob was active in many organizations in Warren. He was one of the founding volunteer members that initiated the restoration of the historic Warren Armory, the Past Commandant of the American Legion Post #11, the Past Commander of the DAV Chapter 13, the Senior Vice Commander of the VFW Post #122, a volunteer for the Massasoit Hook and Ladder Company, and a member of The Knights of Columbus Council #379. He was awarded Warren Citizen of the Year in 2010.

Bob was a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by three children: Robert S. Hamel and wife Camille of Bristol, Steven M. Hamel and wife Gail of Warren, and Mark A. Hamel and wife Lois of Warren; six grandchildren: Nicole Tetreault, Alex, Benjamin, Scott, Adam, and Emily Hamel; a great grandson Cole Tetreault; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by siblings: Henry, Alfred, Ernest and Armand Hamel, Alma Corriera, Mary Rose Costa and Leah Guevremont.

His funeral will be held Thursday at 9:00 am from the WILBUR-ROMANO FUNERAL HOME, 615 Main Street, Warren followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Mary of the Bay Parish, 645 Main Street, Warren. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4-7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Historic Warren Armory, Inc., PO Box 564, Warren, RI 02885. www.wilbur-romano.com.