Darren L. Hamel

DARREN L. HAMEL age 57, beloved companion of Juanita Hamilton; son of the late Leo E. Hamel and Joanne J. Hamel (nee Chaplis); dearest brother of Lynmarie Hamel and Chris Hamel (wife Jolene); dear Papa Darren to Juanita’s family and grandchildren.

Darren grew up in Massachusetts.  He moved to Florida in the early 1990s and spent over 25 years there living with his cousin Bob.  They loved going to car races, flea markets and exploring the southeast by taking many short weekend trips up and down the coast.  He relocated to Cleveland in 2015.  He enjoyed lots of new experiences and activities when he arrived.  He loved college football and was able to attend multiple Ohio State games in Columbus.  He enjoyed attending local college football and basketball games, summer concerts at the park and riding around his neighborhood on his scooter.  He loved musicals and had season tickets at the Cleveland Playhouse and spent time at Severance Hall.  He also made a new best friend, Jake, his sister’s dog.  He loved hanging out with Jake and Jake loved the people food he could mooch off of Darren – he always made extra people food for “his boy.”

He joined the Magnolia Clubhouse in 2016 and was an active member for years.  He worked in the administrative and membership units assisting the staff.  He loved anchoring their daily news show, singing karaoke, showing new clients around and engaging with all of the members and participating in their social activities.  It was also at the Clubhouse that he met the love of his life, Juanita.

Nothing made him happier than spending time with Juanita and her family – especially her three grandchildren.  They could often be seen fishing down at the lake, enjoying family barbeques or just hanging out with family and enjoying the people he cared about the most.  Those who knew Darren describe him as a kind and caring soul who loved to help everyone he met. He will be missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Darren to Magnolia Clubhouse, 11101 Magnolia Dr Cleveland Ohio 44106.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Darren at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just east of Green Rd.) Friday, March 3, 2023, from 4-6 PM.

A Celebration of Life Service will immediately follow at 6 PM.

Cremation by DeJohn Crematory.