Richard C. Hamaker 1935-2024
AUSTINTOWN — Richard Charles Hamaker, 89, passed away Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.
Richard, known by his family and friends as “Dick,” was born Jan. 18, 1935, in Struthers, a son of the late Walter and Alice Hum Hamaker.
He graduated from Struthers High School in 1953 and was a lifelong resident of the Mahoning Valley.
Dick retired as a master sergeant for the U.S. Army Reserve in Youngstown after 32 years of service, where he served with the 99th ARCOM. He also worked as a civilian employee of the Ohio National Guard in Youngstown for 30 years. Dick was an auxiliary patrol officer for the Austintown Police Department for over 28 years.
Dick was an amateur radio operator and a member of the 20 / 9 Club, a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Youngstown Lodge #28 and the Youngstown Crime Clinic. When his son, Wally, was in Boy Scouts, Dick served as a leader for his troop in Austintown.
Dick is survived by his daughter, Judy E. Wertz of Austintown; a son, Wally” W. (Nann) Hamaker of Columbiana; his daughter-in-law, Amy Jo (Michael) Anderson of Austintown; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and a niece, Dale Jean Reynolds.
Besides his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, the former Janet Joy Patterson, whom he married Nov. 17, 1956, and who died Aug. 5, 2024; a son, Richard B. Hamaker; a sister, Marjorie J. Reynolds; and a nephew, William Reynolds.
Per Dick’s request, there will be a celebration of life service held at a later date. There are no calling hours.
The family requests that material tributes take the form of contributions to the Animal Charity Humane Society, 525 W. Main St., Canfield, OH 44406, in memory of Dick.
Arrangements are being handled by Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, 11 Spring St. in Struthers.
Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories send condolences to Dick’s family.
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