Kenneth R. Hamel

COURTESY
NEWPORT — Kenneth R. Hamel, 86, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Nov. 1, 2018 at the White River Junction VA Medical Center after a long illness.

Born to the late Raymond and Dorothy (Densmore) Hamel on Sept. 11, 1932, Kenneth was a lifelong resident of Newport. After graduating from Towle High School, Kenneth was drafted to the Red Sox Farm League in 1952 as a pitcher. He played with the team in South Carolina before being drafted into the Army, where he served in Virginia. Upon returning home from the service, he married the love of his life, Arline Brooks, on Sept. 27, 1953. Kenneth then went on to own three local businesses throughout his lifetime, Sam’s Pizza, Steak ‘n’ Stuff, and Chubba’s.

He enjoyed sports of all kind, gardening flowers, fishing, hunting, and trips to Maine with Arline. One of his favorite pastimes was building birdhouses and bird feeders. Kenneth will be remembered as a hardworking man who was loved by many.

Kenneth is predeceased by his parents, Ray and Dot Hamel, and his son, Bruce Hamel. Surviving family includes his wife of 65 years, Arline (Brooks) Hamel; his children, Lynn Maskell and her husband Bill of North Newport, Debra Pevine and her husband Michael of Barefoot Bay, Florida, Gregory Hamel and his significant other Angela Whittemore of Newport, Mitchell Hamel and his wife Fran of Concord, Elyse Downey and her husband Chris of Franklin, Letitia Hamel and her significant other Chris of Hillsboro; his sisters, Joyce Disa and her husband Tony, Barbara Gouin, and Dawna Jangel and her husband Victor, of Claremont; 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A celebration of Kenneth’s life will be held on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport. A reception will immediately follow.

Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.