OLD TOWN – Leo F. “Sonny” Hamel, 87, passed away November 2, 2017, after a long illness surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 1, 1930, in Olamon, the son of Walter and Lillian (Grover) Hamel.

At a young age, Sonny worked in the family woods business before entering the Air Force. In the Air Force, Sonny was stationed in Fair Banks, Alaska, where he served as a radio operator. After leaving the military, he met and married the love of his life of 60 years, Joan C. True. Sonny was a carpenter/millwright for Union Local #621 for the majority of his life. Sonny loved carpentry. He built and remodeled many homes and loved sharing his knowledge of carpentry with others. He enjoyed many summers with family and friends at his camp at Chemo Pond. The time spent at Chemo Pond was a positive impact on many lives.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Joan; sister, Velma Edgecomb and husband, Wendell, Rita Leveille and husband, Reginald. Surviving are three sons, Donald L. Hamel, Bruce A. Hamel, and wife Deborah, Edwin A. Hamel, and wife Theresa; a daughter, Gail M. LeClair, and husband David, 8 grandchildren, Todd and Jodi, Derek and Kimberly, Melinda and Jared, Eric and Sarah; 18 great-grandchildren; a loving brother & best friend, Thomas C. Hamel, whom he enjoyed spending time with and talking to; a loving sister, Sandra J. LeClair, and sister, Sharon Hilt.

A graveside service with Committal Prayers will be held 3 p.m., Monday, November 6, 2017, at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Bangor. Family and friend are invited to meet 2:45 p.m. at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Superintendent’s Lodge, State Street entrance. Those who wish to remember Sonny in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the American Heart Association, Maine Affiliate, Inc., 51 US Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com