Richard Fredrick Hameline

Richard Fredrick Hameline, was born July 7, 1926 in Utica, New York, the son of Frederick and Marie (Steele) Hameline. He was baptized in the Catholic Church and grew up believing that he could have eternal life if he lived this earthly life right. His childhood was not easy. He lost his mother before his first birthday. He and his sister, Jean Hameline, were raised by two separate families. Richard, or Dick, went to live with his Aunt "Mother" Christine (Hameline) and Bernard Frank. His first cousins Paul, Joyce, Peter, Tommy, Jimmy and Mary became his brothers and sisters. When he was only 17 years old he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. When he returned to New York he worked on construction projects at the St. Lawrence Seaway, built various missile base sites, and a stretch of Interstate-87. He enjoyed skiing, and in the Laurentians he met his life-long dance partner Lois (Smith) a school teacher from PEI (Prince Edward Island) working then in Montreal. Together they followed the construction boom to Florida, grew their family and although they worked so hard, they seemed to never pass up an opportunity to go to the beach whether in Ft. Lauderdale or on PEI. In 1977, they brought their family back to the North Country buying the Chalet Motel, "The Last Motel in the US." At that same time Dick also enjoyed a partnership with his brother-in-law Doug Smith and Freeport Forwarding. Dick became "Grandpa Duke" in 1978 with the birth of his first grandchild. And that evolved into "The Duke", then simply, "Duke" to his ever-growing family and circle of friends. In the early 90's he and Lois retired to Prince Edward Island to a home he and his sons built on Cherry Hill in Mt. Stewart. When Lois passed away in 2005, Duke continued on his journey alone until he broke his neck and came to Plattsburgh to recover at Meadowbrook Health Care, a place that become his home for his final years. He loved to read and oftentimes had several books going at once. He had a very long memory combined with a curious mind and a thirst for knowledge that allowed him to impart ridiculously good wisdom that was full of common sense. He never forgot what it was like to be a child, and he had a heart for all children. He loved to swim, sing, dance and he never turned down an adventure. Richard went to his eternal rest May 9, 2016. He is predeceased by his parents, his wife, and his son, Paul, his sister Jean and brothers Paul, Tommy and Jimmy. He is survived by his children; Mary Ann (Roger) Sorrell, Martin Hameline, John (Carol O'Hara) Hameline, Peter Hameline, Katherine (Eric) O'Hara and daughter-in-law, Paula (Pasco) Hameline and their children, Katie (Gus), Craig (Lisa), Michael (Jenn), Andrew (Erin), Christopher (Nikki),Jina (Abraham) Amanda, Andrew, Xzavier, Vanessa, Christine (Eric) Alex (Emily), Hans, Erik (Whitney), Hanna, Amelia, Abigail, Ani, Emily, Lily, Elijah, Louisa, Luke and great grandchildren Madeleine, Grace, Charlotte, Alexandra, Isabelle, Olivia and Brayden. A Private Funeral Mass was held at St. Peters Church in Plattsburgh with his final resting place to be in St. Andrews Cemetery in Mt. Stewart. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the wonderful work of the North Country Honor Flight. Arrangements were entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. (518)-561-3980. Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com