LEWISTON – Wilfred U. Hamel Jr., 75, of Roxbury Road in Roxbury, died Monday, July 28, at Central Maine Medical Center, after a brief illness, with his loving family at his side.

He was born in Rumford, July 19, 1933, a son of Grace (Blanchard) and Wilfred U. Hamel Sr.

He was employed at Boise Cascade for 43 years. He loved hunting and fishing and was a member of the Roxbury Fire Department for 25 years. He loved his family and enjoyed family get-togethers. He was well loved and had countless friends, and seemed to know everyone. He loved to tell stories and had a great sense of humor. He was a good man and will never be forgotten.

Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Gloria (Touchette) Hamel of Roxbury; two daughters, Peggy Elliott and husband, Brian, of Mexico and Terri Starbird and husband, Glenn, of Rumford; seven sons, Frederick Hamel of Mexico, Timothy Hamel of Roxbury, Daniel Hamel and wife, Corinne, of Turner, Paul Hamel and wife, Trina, of Jay, Wayne Hamel and wife, Linda, of Roxbury, Jerry Hamel and wife, Dee, of Rumford and Ross Hamel and companion, Kim Mundy, of Roxbury; two sisters, Claudette Hladike and husband, Jim, of Moorsville, N.C., and Iona Medina of North Carolina; three brothers, Richard Hamel of Mexico, Robert Hamel and wife, Marlene, of Pennsylvania, and Dennis Hamel and wife, Debbie, of Kittery; 18 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and an aunt, Laura Doucette and companion, Bob Dube, of Rumford.

He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Lynda Helton; and a grandson, Stephen Hamner.