Kenneth A. Hamel

LONDONDERRY, NH On January 30, 2022, Kenneth (Ken) Albert Hamel passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus surrounded by his loved ones at MGH in Boston, MA. His friends and family jokingly called him “miracle man” after courageously battling interstitial lung disease and becoming a successful double lung transplant recipient in 2017.

Ken was born to the late Shirley and Philip Hamel on June 6, 1947, in Haverhill, MA. He was the oldest of 4 children. He spent family time with many aunts, uncles, and cousins growing up.

At age 14 he developed an early interest in the printing industry, which eventually led him to the Haverhill Trade School. After graduating, he built a successful career representing some of the largest global equipment companies such as Presstek, NuArc, Polaroid, Danagraf, and Web Press Corp. After an impressive 60 years, he officially retired from that field but stayed connected to the people he worked with.

Ken was also an educator at heart and attended both Northeastern University in Boston, MA and Fitchburg State University earning a Teaching Certificate. Helping all levels of students learn the art of printing was a passion and with any opportunity to teach he jumped right in. This soon spread to all areas of his life.

For 8 years, he also proudly served in the United States Army Reserves and received an honorable discharge. He felt the time he served was one of the most important accomplishments he’d made.

Ken found the love of his life Cheryl in 1983. They were married for over 37 wonderful years. A loving and devoted couple, they had a fun spirit that brought happiness to many. Their appreciation for travelling together took them throughout Europe, Hawaii, and many trips to local New England spots. One of their favorite annual events was the K-LOVE fan awards in Nashville. They became deeply committed to their faith, volunteering in organizations and missions for the good of others. Ken gave his life to the Lord in 2009.   

Deacon of the Londonderry Christian Church, Ken had also held positions at Emmanuel Covenant Church as Church Chair and started the Tech team at Bethany Covenant Church. Once officially retired, Ken and Cheryl led 3 mission trips to Romania and volunteered at the New England Seafarers Mission in Boston. Ken served on the boards of the New England Seafarers Mission and the Emmanuel Maria Mission Foundation (Mission to the Children and needy in Romania) until his passing.  

Ken and Cheryl had two children each that they raised as one family. They were blessed with 9 grandchildren who brought laughter and light to their lives. If Ken wasn’t enjoying time with his family or volunteering, he was out with friends. In his later years he invited many to the house for board games, cards, and to watch Patriots.

Ken is survived by his faithful wife Cheryl; his adored children, Karen Baron, Heather Furber and her husband David, Shelly Barnett and her husband Sean, Steve Street and his wife Stacie; his beloved grandchildren, Nicole and Tyler Baron, Jacob and Joshua Furber, Christopher Barnett and his wife Aly, Nicholas Barnett, Sam and Sullivan Street. He also leaves behind his much-loved siblings, Stephen Hamel, Susan Riley, and Donna McIntosh, their spouses and children, Aunt Doreen Snow, many cousins, and dear friends. 

In leu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to the non-profit charities Ken gave his time to:

NESM, 1 Black Falcon Terminal, Boston, MA 02210,

EMMF c/o Londonderry Christian Church, 372 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, NH 03053  

Saturday, February 12, 2022  A Celebration of Life will be held at Bethany Covenant Church, One Covenant Way, Bedford, NH 03110

Service will begin at 1:00 pm

Light snacks and visitation with family and friends at approximately 2:30 pm

Ken’s favorite color was BLUE, please incorporate this into your attire for the service as we honor his life.