Donald Hamel

Donald Lawrence Hamel

"A man of few words with a heart that spoke volumes."

10/5/1951 - 3/5/2024

     Don Hamel, age 72, lost his battle with cancer on March 5, 2024, and passed away peacefully at his sister's home in Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by love from his wife and family members. Through his pain he maintained his humor and selfless love.

      A resident of Shaker Heights, Don previously resided in Glandorf and Fort Jennings. He was a graduate of Fort Jennings High School and The Ohio State University with a degree in accounting. Don loved the road by motorcycle, bicycle, truck, or car. His favorite motto was "The Journey is the Destination." 

     Don is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Jean (Ricker) Hamel; brother, John Hamel; sister, Mary Jeanette Hamel; nephew and Godson, Keith Hamel; nephew William John Bornman, niece Brandalyn Marie (Michael) Hamel; niece Ava Mary Bornman, and two brother in-laws, David Paschall, and Tri Vo. 

     Don was survived by his wife, Kristina Ritley; daughters, Ande (Giti) Cira, Natasha Anderson, and Sarah Ritley; a son, Matthew Ritley; two grandchildren, Avi and Leo; three brothers, Robert (Barb) Hamel, Michael (Jean) Hamel, and James Hamel; four sisters, Ann Hamel, Doris (Mike) Nichols, Elizabeth "Betty" Paschall (the late David Paschall), and Sandra Vo (the late Tri Vo); sister-in-law Rebecca Hamel (the late John Hamel); and many nieces and nephews he loved.

     Don provided unconditional love to his wife and their children. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Don’s quirky smile, unique humor, sarcasm, wisdom, and stories will be cherished and missed by all. 

     There will be a celebration of Don’s life in the afternoon of April 27th at Highbanks Metro Park Mansion Shelter, 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, Ohio. If you are interested in attending, you may contact any of his family for details.

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