Dennis "Bear" C. Hamel, beloved husband, step-father, grandfather and Friend to many, passed away peacefully at Advent Health Hospice, surrounded by his family, on Monday, January 22, 2024, at the age of 74.He is survived by his Wife, Kathy Wassum-Hamel, Brothers Ronald and Bernie Hamel, Sister in law- Jayna Hamel, several Cousins, Nieces and Nephews, Brother-in-law, George Royal, Sister on law, Eva Grace Royal, Sisters in law, Debbie and Joe Russell, and Tricia and Bill Barr, Step children, Dale, Tara, Leah and Marc, and 3 Grandchildren, Lily, Nicholas and Emerson, He touched the lives of so many, with his Career in the Navy for 21 years as MS1.He graduated from Edgewater High School in 1968.It was there that he earned the nickname Bear, for his big burly appearance, as he was the Football assistant. It stuck with him his entire life. After retiring from the Navy, He went to College on the GI Bill, and earned an undergraduate degree from Troy State University, and a Masters Degree in Counseling and Psychology, from Columbia College. After retiring from the Navy, He worked for Orange County at DCF and Greater Oaks Village. When retiring from these positions, his favorite place of employment was at Publix in Baldwin Park. He loved meeting new people and seeing old friends that he had lost touch with during his Navy deployments. He worked there until becoming ill last December. During his life, he was a Coach for baseball and football, made hundreds of friends, and took care of his Mother and Aunt at the end of their lives.
After College, Dennis "Bear" Hamel began working in the Kitchen at the Orlando Naval Training Center, where he had been in boot camp many years before. When they were shut down, he worked again for his Navy Boss in the Kitchen of Goodwill of Orlando, cooking and training disabled Veterans in cooking and cleaning.

The Funeral is on Tuesday, January 30, at 10:00 AM at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 526 N. Park Ave.in Winter Park, FL 32789. DeGusipe Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Father Walsh will be the officiant. Flowers and Condolences can be sent to 2258 Howard Dr., Winter Park, FL 32789.
In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association, in Dennis "Bears" Hamel's name. There will be a reception at the church upstairs in the main office, and we invite you all to attend, and share "Bear" stories.