John Hamel, age 64, of Granby, passed away on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. He was born in Holyoke, a son of the late James Q. and Phyllis L. (Blanchette) Hamel and was educated in Holyoke Schools. John was a member of the Holyoke Police Department and later served as a Facility Director for several school systems, including the Elms College in Chicopee, Wilbraham Monson Academy and Cathedral High School in Springfield, retiring in 2011. He lived in Granby for the past 34 years and enjoyed woodworking, cooking and baking. This year John became a published author after writing a book entitled “Growing up in Holyoke in the Mid 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susan J. (Racine) Hamel; a son, Matthew Hamel of Granby; a brother, Thomas Hamel of Holyoke; a sister, Melanie Smith and her husband David of Holyoke, his sister-in-law, Donna Hamel of South Hadley. John also leaves his in-laws, Ann and Norman Racine, Carol Racine and her husband Mark Rege, Raymond and Linda Racine, and Nancy Racine Dingman, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, John was predeceased by a brother, James Hamel in 2020. All services are private. Memorial contributions may be made to Kidney Care and Transplant Services of New England, 2150 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01104. The Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
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