Robert J. Hamling

11/10/2006

Robert J. Hamling, 83, of 67 Old Dalton Road died Friday at home after a three-month illness. Born in Pittsfield on Oct. 25, 1923, son of William and Florence Ames Hamling, he was a graduate of Pittsfield High School. Before moving to Hinsdale 45 years ago, he lived in Peru and in Pittsfield. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corps. Mr. Hamling was employed by the town of Hinsdale, where he ran the compactor at the landfill. He retired at age 80 with 15 years of service. Previously, he was employed by Canteen Corp. for 45 years as head of the refrigeration and air conditioning repair unit. An accordion player and organist, he had his own band during the 1960s and 1970s. He enjoyed hunting, archery, fishing and building model planes. His wife, the former Elaine B. Converse, whom he married April 15, 1944, in Lee, died Aug. 4, 2005. He leaves two daughters, Florence I. Dodge and Robin J. Brickle, both of Peru; a sister, Barbara T. Wood of Pittsfield; nine grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren. Another daughter, Elaine C. LaFlamme, died in 1990. FUNERAL NOTICE -- The funeral for Robert James "Bob" Hamling, who died Friday, Nov. 10, will be conducted Wednesday at 11 at DERY-FOLEY FUNERAL HOME by the Rev. Carolyn G. Peck, pastor of First Congregational Church of Hinsdale. Burial will follow in Maple Street Cemetery. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 5 to 7 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Hamling may be made to First Congregational Church, in care of the funeral home, 890 East Main St., Dalton, MA 01226. Mr. Hamling especially enjoyed his annual trips to Hawaii, which he had made for the past 20 years.

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