Robert Thomas Hamel

February 1 1928 – May 17, 2023

Robert “Bob” Hamel of Palm Coast, Florida, passed away peacefully at home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gayle. Bob was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, to James and Mary Hamel. He served in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and went on to a distinguished career in the hospitality industry with the Sheraton Corporation. He spent the majority of his career in Mexico, Hawaii, Asia and the Middle East, serving as General Manager of many luxurious and famous hotels . He was Senior Vice President - Area Manager of the Sheraton Corporation - Asia, Australia and New Zealand. After a few more years serving in the United States, he retired to his home in Palm Coast and resided there among a bevy of friends for over 20 years. He and Gayle traveled extensively and took great pride in their collection of oriental antiques.

Bob recently celebrated his 95th birthday with a gala attended by not only his friends within the community, but from his colleagues across the country and the world, many traveling from as far away as Bangkok and Hong Kong to celebrate “Mr. Hamel’s” birthday.

Bob was a kind and gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor. He thoroughly enjoyed life, was active in the community and had a large benevolent heart. He was an avid golfer who always boasted of shooting his age and he especially enjoyed dinner engagements with his friends.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 31, at 11:00 a.m., at Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church in Flagler Beach, Florida, and a Celebration of Life to honor Bob will be observed immediately thereafter at the Hammock Dunes Club, Palm Coast, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Bob’s memory may be made to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, P. O. Box 1328, Flagler Beach, Florida, 32136