Victor Hamell

April 5, 1934 - August 22, 2025

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce that Victor Hamell, born Victor Selim Hamaoui, passed away peacefully at his home in Manalapan, New Jersey, with his devoted wife by his side.

Victor was a dedicated husband, father, Nonno, son, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Yolanda, his daughter Lynn and partner Harry; his daughter Monique and her husband Saul and his three grandchildren: Justin, Lena and Amanda.

Victor was born in Cairo, Egypt in 1934 into a large and loving family – his parents Solomon and Zekeya.

Victor was the second youngest of seven siblings: Fortune, Suzanne, Marcelle, Henriette, Hillel, Victor himself, and the youngest, Max. He was the last surviving brother and carried the love and memory of his family with him always.

His siblings gave him a wide circle of nieces and nephews whom he loved and kept close ties with.

From Suzanne family, Victor cherished Mickey, Reggie, Nanda & Silvio. Nanda often visiting him and calling to check in.

From Marcelle’s family, Victor held deep memories of Leon, was his best man at his wedding, and Sylvain, the singer with the New York Dolls, whose recent passing brought Victor to tears. He also loved his niece Brigitte, who celebrated many family holidays throughout the years.

From Hillel’s family in Israel, Victor has 5 nieces and nephews Shlomo, Moshe, Hoget, Vivian and Lidia.

From Mordecai (Max) family, also in Israel, Victor cherished his niece Iris and his nephew Oren.

Victor loved being an uncle. Whether near or far, his nieces and nephews felt his warmth, his humor, and his loyalty. They were part of the fabric of his life, and he was proud to be part of theirs.

Victor left his homeland by boat in the 1960s due to religious persecution. He settled first in Paris, where he met Yolanda through her brother, from Alexandria Egypt and they came to New York City to build a new life

Victor built a thriving career as a custom shirt and suit maker, owning his own store Duhamell, on Madison Avenue’s Upper East Side for more than 30 years. His artistry and craftsmanship attracted a distinguished clientele. He then later became a landlord.

A man of many passions, Victor was known as an excellent chef and baker, a lover of cars (at one point owning four at once), and a collector who had an eye for everything unique. He bought a house 2 blocks from Monique so he could be close to family, a reflection of how deeply he loved them. He was also an excellent dancer, loved music, spoke French, English, and Arabic, and was the life of the party. Everyone who met him, loved him.

Victor lived with resilience and courage. At age 75, he survived stomach cancer after undergoing surgery to remove his stomach, continuing to live life fully. He was strong willed - Above all, he did it his way—just like Frank Sinatra.

Victor lost his mother when he was 17, yet he kept her photo and memory close to his heart all his life. We take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with her.

Victor will be remembered for his character, charismatic personality, passion for life, go-getter spirit, determination, kind heart, generosity, and above all, his unwavering love for his family. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.

Victor’s funeral will take place on Monday, August 25, 2025 at Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels, 44 Wilson Avenue, Manalapan, NJ 07726, at 10:15 am until the Funeral Service which will begin promptly at 11:00 am. The Funeral will be livestreamed on Tribucast. If you would like to view the service please follow the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c2508576413252

Interment will follow at Mount Sinai Cemetery

361 Highway 79 aka Route 79

Morganville, NJ 07751

The family will sit Shiva at Monique & Saul’s home in Manalapan on Monday from 4:00pm

to 8:00pm and Tuesday & Wednesday from 1:00pm 4:00pm and 5:30-8:00pm.

Family will also be receiving guests at Monique & Saul’s home on Sunday, August 31st from 2pm to 6pm.

Monique & Saul address:

32 Winfield Drive, Manalapan, NJ 07726

Memorial Donations in Victor’s memory may be made to VNA Hospice care