Loved Family, Singing and Ice Cream
Gordon Risk Hamilton Jr., 97, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on September 9, 2024 in Sunapee, NH.
Born in Beverly MA in1926, he was the son of Gordon and Edith (Johnson) Hamilton. He met Natalie Cole in 5th grade at Beverly’s Hardie Elementary. She would become the love of his life sharing 88 years together, 73 of which were in marriage. They were inseparable and loved travelling, theater, concerts and their wide circle of lifelong friends. But above all his greatest joy was his family. He would often remark ‘I’ve had a wonderful life.’
Gordon was an extraordinary man who was incredibly sweet, kind, patient, optimistic, fun and funny. He loved history and could name all the US presidents in order. He always had a song in his heart. His love of singing began on the radio at age 5 and he sang at numerous Northshore events earning him the name ‘Bing Hamilton.’ His love of singing continued in church choirs and musicals and he was a proud member of the local Sutton, NH Saturday Singers group which he loved right up until his death. He was a great storyteller, loved a good joke and enjoyed playing fun pranks. Gordon was a master of organization.
He served 2 years in the US Navy (1945-1946) stationed in CA. Upon returning he graduated in 1950 from Columbia University where he was a proud member and president of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Gordon’s professional career included 32 years at High Voltage Engineering Corporation in Burlington, MA where he was VP of Personnel. In addition, he gave his time generously to a wide variety of professional and charitable organizations including hospitals, schools and historical societies. He was a lifelong member of the Maple Street Congregational Church in Danvers, MA and the First Baptist Church in New London, NH.
He is survived by his treasured wife Natalie Hamilton and four daughters Martha (Taffy) Benson and husband Joe of White Bear Lake, MN, Susan Soldani and husband Bob of Tewksbury, MA, Carolyn (Kim) Schwartz and husband Jon of Marblehead, MA and Jane Peel and husband Doug of Sunapee, NH. He adored his six grandchildren: Melissa Rumery and husband Travis of Madison, WI, Hamilton Tucker Benson of White Bear Lake, MN, Sam Schwartz and wife Jacqueline of Seattle, WA, Annie Schwartz of Boston, MA, Abby Peel of Sunapee, NH and Ryan Peel and wife Nikki of New London, NH and three cherished great grandchildren, Andrew and Daniel Rumery and Brooklyn Peel.
He is predeceased by his brother Bob and sister-in-law Louise. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
The family is extremely grateful to the caring staff and residents at Sunapee Cove Assisted Living and the Lake Sunapee Region VNA and Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of a donation in Gordon’s name to the Lake Sunapee Region VNA and Hospice or the First Baptist Church of New London NH.
At Gordon’s request a private family service will be held at a later date, but a wonderful way to remember Gordon would be to sing your favorite song, have a mocha frappe, or enjoy a hot fudge sundae.
Comentarios