WATERBURY – It is with profound sadness that the family of Richard E. Hamel announces his peaceful passing on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, at age 83.
He passed away surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home. Richard was the devoted husband of Claire (Castaldi) Hamel. Born in Waterbury on June 22, 1941, Richard was the son of the late Eugene and Carmela (Sparano) Hamel.
A proud 1959 graduate of Wilby High School, he served honorably in the U.S. Army before embarking on a successful career in dry cleaning.
In 1965, Richard purchased Town & Country Cleaners in Wolcott, and in 1975, he acquired Allyn’s Dry Cleaners in Watertown, which he operated for more than 50 years with unparalleled dedication to his customers. Richard’s passion for sports, particularly baseball, played a significant role in his life. In 1967, he founded and sponsored his first softball team, Town & Country Cleaners.
Under his leadership, the team achieved notable success, including several Top-10 finishes in national tournaments and multiple state championships. His commitment extended to sponsoring local teams and supporting the development of high school softball programs in Greater Waterbury. A pillar of the Waterbury and Watertown communities, Richard supported numerous local initiatives, including Little League teams, high school scholarships, beauty pageants, and medical research projects.
In 1997, he was honored by the Connecticut Amateur Softball Association for his extensive contrib.