WANAKENA/POTSDAM – Donald “Donnie” E. Hamele, age 66, of Potsdam and formerly of Wanakena, passed away on October 31, 2018, at the Highland Nursing Home in Massena.
There will be a memorial service planned in the late spring. Arrangements are with French Family Funeral Home in Star Lake. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.
Donnie was born on December 21, 1951, in Star Lake to Pauline “Polly” (McBroom) Hamele who survives him and the late Keith Hamele. Donnie graduated from the Clifton-Fine Central School.
Mr. Hamele enjoyed his training in Karate and reached the black belt level. He also enjoyed reading and loved to watch the deer when he was living in Wanakena. Donnie was also an avid Syracuse University fan. He had worked with the NYSARC work program at area bottle redemption centers for several years.
Donnie is survived by his mother, Polly Hamele of Wanakena; his brother and sister-in-law, Dick and Jeanne Hamele of Livonia; his nieces, M.J. Hamele, Dawn Simon, Becky Partridge and their families; and cousins, Darryl Mc Broom, Ann Woods, and Mary Hawkinson.
He is predeceased by his father, Keith Hamele; his sister, Sandy Conklin; and a cousin, Debbie Nichols.
Donations given in memory of Donnie may be made to Staff Health Services of Northern New York, St. Lawrence NYSARC Foundation or Wanakena Cemetery Association.