METHUEN, MA ~ Joseph Henri (Hank) Hamel passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Born July 20, 1930, he was the oldest of 11 children of the late Henri and Cecile (Hebert) Hamel of Lawrence, MA. He resided in Methuen with his beloved partner of 47 years, Marylou Robson, who recently passed away on December 10, 2021. Hank was a graduate of Central Catholic H.S. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War stationed aboard the USS SAIPAN. He worked many years at Bingham Co. of Lawrence as a sheet metal inspector, and after his retirement he worked part time for almost 30 years at the Racicot Funeral Home. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post 8349 of Methuen, American Legion post 122 of Methuen, a life member of the Franco-American War Veterans, an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus, and a life member of Elks Lodge BPOE #65 of Lawrence, MA. Hank enjoyed spending summers at Lake Winnisquam; he was a simple man who loved his family and his friends. He is survived by three brothers: John Hamel, Arthur Hamel and wife Lillian, Gerry Hamel; three sisters: Rita Pelletier, Claire Haggar and husband Roy, Cecile Wood, and husband Eddie; brothers in law: Paul Atkins and Leo Marchand and many nephews, nieces, great nephews, and nieces. He is predeceased by his sister Theresa and her husband Francis Smith, brother Raymond and his wife Claire Hamel, sister Alice Atkins, sister Jeanne Marchand, brother-in-law Joseph Pelletier, sister-in-law Janice Hamel, and nephew Francis (Spike) Smith. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, Dana Farber, or any favorite charity of choice.
ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Edgar J. Racicot Inc. Funeral Home, 1400 Broadway Rd., Dracut. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, St. Theresa Church in Methuen at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2022. Online condolences may be shared at www.racicotfuneralhome.com