Frederic Richard Hamil

Frederic Richard Hamil 83, of Rochester NY, passed away peacefully with family by his side on December 15, 2020.

He was pre-deceased by his parents Kay and Richard Hamil of Buffalo, NY. Fred was born in Buffalo, NY on March 5, 1937 and grew up in the suburb of West Kenmore. Fred enjoyed a distinguished career in education starting at Rochester City School #17. In the 1970's he assisted in establishing adult education programs at neighborhood centers including one in the Monroe County Jail. Fred taught at Charlotte High School before beginning his employment at RIT. During his 30+ years at RIT he developed and instructed science and medical programs for the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID). He also collaborated with the Strasenburgh Planetarium to make their programs more accessible for the deaf community. After retiring Fred's talents were utilized for another 20 years as he began the next phase of his professional life when he went to work for Newcomer Funeral Home. Twice he was selected as an Outstanding Educator of America and in his second career in 2010 he was awarded the R.O. Penick Award which represents excellence in the Funereal Home industry.

Growing up Fred and his sister Joan spent countless hours at their family summer home (Pinehedge) on Cuba Lake, in Cuba NY. During high school and college he was employed at Cuba Memorial Hospital where he was to meet the love of his life Carolyn Hedden. They married in 1960 and soon moved to Rochester, NY where they would remain the rest of their lives. Fred was very gracious with his free time by volunteering with "The Friends of the Irondequoit Library," the West Avenue Teen Café and ushering at Asbury First United Methodist Church. He remained close with fellow retired RIT professors known as "The Global Group;" during their gatherings they solved many world problems and became authorities on wine.
During his summers in Rochester Fred and his family would relocate to their cottage on the shores of Lake Ontario. Here he would live out his passion for boating and spending time on and in the water. He bestowed his love for boating and all things water related to his children Susan and Steven. His favorite times were being with his family and granddaughters, "the Girls." Carolyn and Fred traveled extensively with friends including several trips to Europe, Hawaii and almost all of the Continental US. His quiet, steady and loving nature will be remembered and missed by all that were fortunate enough to know him.

Fred is survived by Carolyn, his loving wife of 60 years, his two children Susan Nichols, Steven Hamil and wife Julie along with the lights of his life, his grandchildren Juliana Nichols, Alicia Nichols, Chloe Hamil and Olivia Hamil (each knowing that they were his favorite), his sister Joan Stevenson and her husband Robert. Fred enjoyed a close relationship with his sister despite the distance between them, they regularly discussed current events and nostalgic memories.

In Fred's quiet manner he advocated for marginalized people in his community. Thus in Fred's memory, contributions can be made to Cameron Ministries Teen Program which lends aide to city youth academic and social activities (Cameronministries.org). Fred also believed in providing food to those in need as he volunteered with the "Grocery Bag Ministry" at Asbury First United Methodist Church, to which contributions can also be made.

Due to the City Wide Condition Orange that we are now in Fred will be remembered at a closed service at Asbury, Monday December 21, at 11:00 AM.
This will be streamed live on Asburyfirst.org and he will be interred immediately after at Irondequoit Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held in the Spring of 2021 with details to follow.