George H. Hamel Jr., 78, of Lowell, MA
August 4, 1946 - July 8, 2025
George is survived by his wife, Isabelle Shamshoyan Hamel; son, Edwin Hamel and his wife, Robyn, of Shirley, MA and their 4 children, Alexander, Maxamilian, Miana and Natally; daughter, Deanna Hamel and her husband, Kin Lee and their 2 children, Sophie and Colette of Westport, CT.
A lifelong Lowell resident and an absolute fixture of the community, passed away peacefully after a brief but brave battle with illness. He fought hard, just like he lived-with grit, loyalty, and a sharp sense of humor that could both charm and mildly confuse you.
Born on August 4, 1946, in Lowell, George was the only son of George Sr. and Mary Hamel of Lowell. He grew up in the Acre and was very proud of the city he called home for his entire life. He attended St. Patrick's School in Lowell followed by Lowell High School and later Northeast Broadcasting School with dreams of becoming a radio host-dreams which eventually took a slight detour when he joined The Lowell Sun. There, George found his true calling and stayed for over 45 years in advertising , never missing a single day.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, George was married to his beloved wife, Isabelle for over 50 years-a love story marked by shared laughter, long wild conversations, and a lot of loud Beatles music. Together they raised two children, Edwin and Deanna, and welcomed six adoring grandchildren.
A proud associate Armenian Veteran, George was an active member of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, Lowell Sun Charities and Golden Gloves. He loved his community and maintained a very full social calendar-often spotted with his lifelong childhood and work friends, a Scotch in one hand and an occasional cigar in the other.
George was a true original and a creature of habit. He loved carnivals, hot dogs, and hot sauce. He journaled everyday-often scribbling down his thoughts, and the occasional hilariously offbeat observation. His humor was dry, sharp, and sometimes wildly unexpected. But behind the wit was a man of great heart, who treasured the simple things: his family, his home, and the life he built from humble beginnings.
He leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, laughter, and love.
George will be deeply missed, but the stories he told, the laughs he gave, and the life he lived will continue to echo through the streets of Lowell.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Sts. Vartanantz Church 180 Old Westford Rd, Chelmsford, MA 01824 or online at stsvartanantz.com at any time.
On Sunday, July 13, 2025 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home at 14 Highland St., Lowell, MA 01852. His funeral will be held on Monday, July 14 at 10 a.m. at Saints Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824 followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury. Please visit www.McDonoughFuneralHome.com to leave the family a message of condolence.