Hugh Patrick Hamill Sr.

Hugh Patrick Hamill Sr., age 98, of Oak Lawn, IL; passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, with his loving family by his side. Hugh is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Sandra Lee nee Di Pasquale (Pollard) Hamill; devoted father of five children, Jane (Michael) Colianne, Hugh Jr. (Regina) Hamill, Patricia (John) Nilles, the late Stephen (the late Mary) Hamill, and Dawn (Mario) Luna; proud grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of 9; dearest brother preceded in death by James Hamill, John (Dorothy) Hamill, Mary (George) Hickey, Patrick (Margaret) Hamill and his twin sister Kathleen McGrath.

Born in County Antrim, Northern Ireland on June 5, 1928 to the late James and Jane (Magill) Hamill. The family immigrated to Chicago, IL in 1929 to begin a new life.

Hugh enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAF) during the Korean War where he met his first wife the late Dorothy (La Plante) Hamill.

Returning to Chicago, he began work with the Chicago Forestry Dept. cutting and planting trees throughout the city. He quickly joined the Chicago Park District Police that was merged with the Chicago Police Dept. Hugh served in various roles during his 30 year career including Youth Division, formed the early Gang Crimes Unit, State-wide DEA Drug Task Force and achieving the rank of Lieutenant. He also served as deputy Director of the Office of Municipal Investigations where he exposed numerous corruption events within city government.

Upon retirement from the CPD. Hugh joined the Field Museum of Chicago as Chief of Security where he managed several key exhibits including the King Tut Egyptian exhibit and British Crown Jewels exhibit.

The true joy of his life was the outdoors. He was an avid sportsman who loved fishing, hunting and boating. Many of his best memories were fishing trips with his boys, pulling the kids waterskiing at Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and cruising on the 50' houseboat in Kentucky Lake, Kentucky. He also remained active in sports playing handball, golf and snow skiing into his 70's and 80's. Hugh was an avid runner and ran the Chicago Marathon at the age of 50. Hugh joined Hugh Jr. and his grandson Keith on a Boy Scout one week, 100 mile Canada Boundary Water canoe trip, with challenging portages and long days of padding. He also had the opportunity to teach several rope skills at camp that he learned as a young man in the Forestry Dept.

In retirement, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, traveling with his wife Sandy and enjoying time on the houseboat in Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, c/o Hugh Hamill Sr., www.cpdmemorial.org would be appreciated.

Visitation Thursday, October 22nd, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd St. Oak Lawn. Funeral Friday, October 23rd, 10:30 a.m. from Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd St. Oak Lawn to St. Linus Church, 10400 S. Lawler Ave. Oak Lawn, Mass 11:00 a.m. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. (708) 636-1193.