Paul G. Hamel, 78, of The Villages, Florida passed away on July 14 with his loving family at his side. He was the son of the late Albert and Pauline (Masse) Hamel and is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn Hamel. He is also survived by four children Liz Hamel (Justin Ryckebusch) of San Francisco, CA, Julia Purrington (Mark Paluck) of Evergreen, CO, Peter Hamel (Sarah Link) of Waltham, MA, Anne Steinhaus (Daniel) of Fairway, KS; 9 grandchildren; three siblings Terry Xavier (Bonny) of The Villages, Albert "Sol" Hamel (Cathy Lacoste) of Fairhaven, MA, Sue Hayden Lambalot (Dennis) of Seattle, WA, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Paul graduated from the Seminaire de Joliette in 1964 (BA- University of Montreal) and received his law degree from Boston College in 1967. He proudly served in the Marine Corps for 2 years. Paul was an active member of the community in New Bedford, MA for over 40 years before moving to Florida. He served on the Governor's Council and on the New Bedford City Council representing Ward 1. He was a founding partner of the law firm Hamel, Waxler, Allen, and Collins. Paul also dabbled in real estate and was very active in efforts to establish a casino in New Bedford. He served on the Board of Sacred Heart Home for many years as well as the Board of the Schwartz Center (now Meeting Street) where he was chairman for a term.

Kind and big-hearted, Paul was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather ("Papa Smooth"), brother, and uncle, and a faithful friend to many including his ski buddies, poker buddies, and former classmates. In fact, he never met anyone he didn't consider a friend, and was quick to offer help to anyone in need.

He loved dancing and singing (especially in French), good wine, good food, and a good (often dirty) joke. He was the life of every party and had a particular knack for using humor to lighten any situation. He loved to swim, sail, and ski, and passed those loves on to his children and grandchildren.

Endlessly curious, always tinkering, and never one to shy away from a challenge, Paul could often be found working on household tasks ranging from the mundane (mowing the lawn) to the ambitious (installing a jacuzzi tub or setting up a television/stereo/DVR remote system that no one but he could operate). We'd sometimes laugh at his whimsies – the old cars, the satellite dish, the neon signs in the backyard – but they always had a purpose, even if just to make us smile.

Paul left his mark on the world, and on everyone who met him. We are all better for having known him, and we will miss him terribly.

A celebration of Paul's life will take place at a funeral Mass at St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Road, Freetown, MA at 10:00 am on Friday, August 12. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Meeting Street School ( meetingstreet.org ) or the Alzheimer's Association ( alz.org ).