Gilman Ellsworth Hamer, Jr. (Gilly) passed away peacefully at Hathaway Manor Extended Care on November 5, 2026.
Gilly was the son of Gilman Hamer, Sr. and Renate Hamer of Dartmouth. He was born in New Bedford on December 15, 1951 and lived in Dartmouth, MA his whole life.
Survivors include his sister, Erika Hamer of Dartmouth and brother Philip Hamer of Galveston, Texas along with two daughters; Abbie and husband Nate Dore of Peabody, and Mollie Hamer of Dartmouth and her significant other Mark Poitras. He also had 3 grandchildren; Cody, Caylee and Haven along with several nieces and nephews.
Gilly found great joy in driving tractor trailer trucks for 50+ years, along with tidying up and fixing his house, which he built himself in 1983. He also loved fishing on his boat “Swamp Fox,” and watching New England sports, especially the Red Sox and Patriots. He will be remembered for his infectious smile, how generous he was, and loving the simple pleasures in life.
He was a heart transplant recipient for 10+ years. Our family is forever grateful for the gift of life made possible by the heart transplant, and for the exceptional care of the doctors, nurses, and entire transplant team at Tufts Medical Center. Their kindness and expertise gave us many additional years with him which we will always be thankful for.
The family also appreciates the hospice team and caregivers at Hathaway Manor Extended Care for the care they provided throughout Gilman’s time there.
Calling hours to which relatives and friends are invited will be at Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Road, Westport, MA on Monday, November 9, 2026 from 5-7 P.M.
Private family burial following at Evergreen Cemetery, Old Fall River Rd., Dartmouth.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tufts Medical Center's Cardiovascular Center at https://giving.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/cvc