Clermont? Leonard A. Hamel, 91, died Friday March 6, 2015at the Mike Conley Hospice House in Clermont, FL. He leaves his wife of 19 years, Joanne Zaccagni Hamel; his daughters, Susan Hamel-Miller (Ron) and Amy Ann Rooney (Edward); and daughter-in-law Sandra Hamel. His son Christopher Hamel predeceased him, as did his wives Lucille of 30 years and Corrine Bischoff Hamel of 17 years. His sister Alice Hamel Moceri survives him as does his brothers -in -law Norman Bauer and Joseph Zaccagni (Bernadine) and John Zaccagni (Barbara) and Barbara Zaccagni (Richard predeased). Predeceased by two brothers, Gerald Hamel and Edgar Hamel, one sister, Janet Bauer, and his son-in-law James Brown. He leaves behind three grandchildren, Jeff Hamel (Amanda), Kristen Meddaugh (Michael), Laurie Morris (Brian) and two step-grandchildren, Nicholas Brown and Jamie Coe; four great- grandchildren, Logan and Katelyn Meddaugh, Kaylee Morris and Isabella Hamel; five great-step-children Shayla, Hayley and Tyler Brown and Isabella and Jayden Coe. Born in 1923 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Adolph and Claire Hamel. After graduating from Saugus, MA High School in 1941, he went to work at the Boston Navy Yard. He was a World War II vet in the U.S. Air Force. He was on active duty for 5 years, serving in the United States and the Pacific as a B29 flight engineer. He continued in the active reserves for another 20 year, retiring as a Major. He married Lucille Havlinek in 1946 in Denver, CO. They moved to Detroit Michigan where he attended the University of Detroit, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He went on to receive a MBA from Wayne State University in 1973. Mr. Hamel joined Chrysler Defense Engineering in Detroit. He took part in projects such as the HET 10 truck and head engineer on X-MI tank and the Mexican Armored Car. His career took him many times to Germany and Mexico. He attained the status of Professional Engineer. He retired in 1979 and then joined the U.S. Government working on many projects, including being chief liaison on the Bradley Tank. Mr. Hamel had a passion for collecting model cars, planes, and tanks and belonged to the Hudson Terra-Plane Club. He enjoyed helping others and was an usher at St Joan of Arc, in St. Clair Shores, MI. After marrying Joanne, they moved to Kings Ridge in Clermont, FL. He was very active in their community, being on the Board of Directors of the Huntington neighborhood, a member of the Clermont Lions Club, and was instrumental in starting Neighborhood Watch in Kings Ridge. He enjoyed being in the Computer Club, Investment Club, and loved socializing with friends.



Mass of the Resurrection for Leonard Hamel will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, celebrated by Very Reverend Robert E. Webster. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the mass at the church. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to Cornerstone Hospice, Mike Conley Hospice House memorial for Leonard Hamel. BECKER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Clermont, FL 34711. Telephone 352-394-7121. (www.beckerfamilyfuneral.com)