Timothy E. Hamel

Timothy E. Hamel, 68, died with his wife and daughters by his side on Monday, August 14, 2023 at Tufts Medical Center in Boston after an illness. 

He leaves his loving wife of 30 years Helena F. (Foley) Hamel; three daughters, Tonya Hamel and her significant other, Jason Lupaczyk of Athol, Beth A. Hamel-Wiita and her husband Joey of Ashburnham, and Brigitte Hamel of Winchendon; four grandchildren, Benjamin Wiita, Jonas Wiita, Lily Wiita, and Aidan Mikels; one brother, John Hamel of Winchendon; two sisters, Paula Hamel-Gabrieli of Winchendon and Cathy Burrill of TN. He also leaves his mother-in-law Catherine Foley of Gardner; three brothers-in-law, William Foley and his wife Deborah of Gardner, David Foley and his significant other, Lisa Cady of Athol, and Martin P. Foley and his wife Maria of Newton; one sister-in-law Carolyn Kymalainen and her husband David of Gardner, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents, his father-in-law Martin J. Foley, a brother-in-law Robert Burrill, and a nephew, Luke Progen.

Timothy was born in Gardner on April 12, 1955, the first child of Ernest and Barbara Lucille (Tompkins) Hamel. He grew up in Gardner and attended Gardner Schools. As a young man he began his dream job at Caouette's Catering in Ashburnham, where he learned how to make the best Chicken Pot Pie known to man, which he continued to make for the next 50 years to the delight of his family. There he learned his incredible work ethic, which he carried with him throughout his life. He worked for Heywood Hospital for 48 years as a Materials Management Coordinator, a job which he loved dearly and took great pride in. 

Tim was an artist; he enjoyed woodworking, and used this talent to build his own home. He made incredibly detailed metalwork sculptures. He listened to an eclectic array of music, and played bass guitar with many local friends. Known as a man of few words, he surprisingly never hesitated to belt out songs with a karaoke microphone in front of him, much to the delight of his Heywood Hospital coworkers. He was an avid gardener, who passed his knowledge of growing vegetables onto his daughters. He was the master of the grill at every barbecue he attended. He never turned down a game of pitch with good friends and found it humorous to bid without ever looking at his hand.  At his core, Tim will be remembered as a happy, gentle soul who loved his family. He was always excited to look up from reading his novels to see his children and grandchildren coming through the door. He never met a stranger(or a baby he didn't love.) He adored his two cats Poof and Lola, who now sleep on his pillow, waiting for him.

Timothy's funeral will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. in the Mack Funeral Home, 105 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440.

Calling hours will precede the funeral from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. 

The Burial will follow in the Wildwood Cemetery, (rt 68) West Street, Gardner, MA 01440. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Children's Heart Foundation at https://www.childrensheartfoundation.org

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors