Kirk is one great guy!  Always so much fun.  He's smart, clever and has an infectious positive attitude, a zeal for life and a really good friend.  Did I say lots of laughs too?  I went to Junior High, High School and Kent State University with Kirk.  We had so many great times. I could write a book about all our adventures.  We had a group of friends that mostly hung out together through those wild and crazy years of life comprised of Ken Peterson, Ron Plescia, Dave Dubiaga, Tim Lehlbach, Jeff Heil, and Dave Arcuri,  We had such great times and so much fun.  We often met up at Lehlbach's garage in our makeshift home away from home.  I left Berea in 1977 and sadly I think I saw him once after.  We traded a few letters until about 1980.  The news of Kirk's passing is upsetting but I know he's in a better place.  All my condolences go out to Kirk's family and friends. I'm sorry for your loss.

Debby so very sorry for your loss he will be missed but not forgotten rip my friend Gayle Halaska

Kirk developed my love for skiing.  I remember taking the 3+ hour drive to Holiday Valley on Wednesdays many times over the years and then the never ending drive back the same day…only to go to work the next day. We went to Vermont and Maine to ski. He was a much better skier and would always wait for me as we went downhill. Always looking out for me.  Memories I fondly remember.  Godspeed my friend.  I’m sure we’ll meet again on a black diamond in the sky.

Kirk and I were good friends for more than 50 years. We had a lot of good times and adventures, from hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to skiing most all of the major ski areas in the east, from NY to Maine. For some reason though, I was chosen to lead the pack down the trails, which always seemed to end up at the top of a “Double Black Diamond” slope. We all made it down in one piece, and looked like experts doing it too. There were a few “yard sales” from time to time”with skis, poles, gloves, hat and goggles scattered around the crash site, but we just got up, brushed ourself off and did it again. You will be missed.
Dave Dubiaga

I've known Kirk since 7th grade. We had many adventures through our younger lives. We spent most of the summer in 1975 traveling the U.S. and camping. That summer we, along with Ron Plescia, and Dave Dubiaga hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, spent the night sleeping next to the Colorado River, without a permit, and hiked out the next day. That night, at the bottom of the canyon, we allegedly drank the camp store, and camp grounds out of beer.  That's one story I can share here. Kirk was a great person and a good friend. I send my condolences to his family and wish Kirk God speed on his journey.

Dear Family, 

Kirk was an awesome person and gentle soul. He always had a smile and kind word. We’ll miss him greatly at family gatherings. He was positive and just an all around nice guy to know. 

Take care Deb. 
Love and hugs Sue and Bob

OBITUARY

Kirk D Hamel

April 29, 1952 – November 4, 2025

A. Ripepi & Sons Funeral Home

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