Conrad Hamel, of Cumberland, RI, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025. He was born in Woonsocket, RI, a son of the late Conrad and Emerentienne (Tetreault) Hamel. He was predeceased by his oldest son Steven, and his siblings Rolande Cote, Normand, and Robert. He is survived by his loving wife, Lucille, of 67 years, his sibling Rene Hamel DDS, and his children Karen Donnelly (Robert), Jeff (Cheryl), and Jaime (Stephanie). He was the proud grandpa of Patrick, Alison, Matthew, Kyra, Jillian, Luke, Jake, Jack, and Lia.

Conrad graduated from LaSalle Academy in 1947, and entered the Air Force as a Radar Specialist in 1950, eventually reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant while stationed in French Morocco during the Korean War. After completing his service, Conrad attended Brown University, where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1958. It was during his freshman year at Brown that he met the love of his life, Lucille. After their nuptials, the couple welcomed their first child, Karen, and moved to New Jersey, where Conrad worked for Bell Labs. Their hearts never left Rhode Island, so Conrad found a job closer to home to raise their growing family in Cumberland. In later years, Conrad and Lucille purchased a summer cottage in Narragansett, which introduced them to a new collection of neighbors that soon became their Sand Hill Cove family.

In addition to being a runner and sailor, Conrad loved playing, watching, and talking about the game of golf. He attended six U.S. Opens in person, but his favorite time on any course was when he was able to play a round with his children or grandsons.

One of his favorite activities was sitting in his "library", voraciously reading and listening to classical music and, for a spell, The Clancy Brothers. On most Sundays, he would call his siblings and friends to catch up and check in on them. Lucille would tell you that he liked to collect wooden decoy ducks for the "library" that she would shop for and purchase on his behalf.

He loved to bake, cook and entertain, and the Hamel homes were always open to family and friends. He was an active participant of Saint Joan of Arc Parish as a Lector, CCD teacher, Eucharist Minister, and Finance Committee Chair. Known for his empathy and compassion, Conrad exemplified the importance of showing emotion when speaking about someone or something close to the heart, which his children and grandchildren embraced.

As we grieve for Conrad, a quote from It's A Wonderful Life comes to mind:

"Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a celebration of his life on Saturday, January 18th with visiting hours beginning at 11:00 AM and service at 1:00 PM at the O'Neill Funeral Home, 3102 Mendon Road, Cumberland. The burial will be private and a mass will be said in Conrad's name at St. Ambrose Church, in Lincoln at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Conrad's name to Hope Health in Providence or Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).