Joseph A. Hamelin, 78, of High Street died Monday, April 9, 2012 in Stamford Hospital, Stamford, CT after being stricken ill while visiting his daughter.

He leaves his wife of 6 years, Aurore (Beaudreau) Hamelin; two daughters, Elizabeth A. Hamelin of Carlsbad, CA and Marcia J. Hamelin and her husband Dennis Tracey of Weston, CT; four grandchildren, Kristen, Libby, Janey Henry Tracey; a step-son, Keith R. Audette of Spencer; three step-daughters, Christine M. Simakauskas and her husband Stephen of Spencer, Darlene L. Parsons and her husband Robert of East Brookfield and Charlene A. Audette of Auburn; 11 step-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his first wife Tomoko (Yamaguchi) Hamelin.

Mr. Hamelin was born in Worcester, son of Rosario “Rosie” A. and Wilrose (LaPlante) Hamelin. He graduated from David Prouty High School in 1952, Worcester State College in 1958 and received his Masters Degree in 1960 from Worcester State College. He began his 38 year teaching career at Oxford Junior High School in 1958, where he then became the assistant principal from 1961-1962. He later taught Math and Physics at North High School in Worcester from 1964-1980 before teaching at Leo T. Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester from 1980 until his retirement in 1996. He was a life member of both the NEA MTA. He attended many NSF and General Electric summer institutes. He was a member of the Spencer Lions Club, American Legion Post 138 and the DAV. He was a former member of St. Mary’s Church in Spencer and an original member of their interfaith council and a former chairman of the CCD council. He is a current member of St. John the Baptist Church in East Brookfield. He served on the Luther Hill Park Commission for 5 years and the original David Prouty Building Committee. He was the Director of Veterans Services in Spencer for 1 year. He was a former member of the Spencer-East Brookfield School Committee. He was active in state and local politics. He served his country during the Korean War in the United States Army in the 56th Amphibious Tank and Tractor Battalion.

The funeral will be held Saturday, April 14 from J. HENRI MORIN SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer with a Memorial Mass at 10:00 AM in St. John the Baptist Church, North Brookfield Road, East Brookfield. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. A calling hour will precede the funeral from 8:30-9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Central MA Chapter for Homeless Veterans, 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.