Eric Clifford Hamel, 43, a resident of the town of Beekman for 12 years and formerly of Virginia Beach, died suddenly on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie.
Born in Auburn on September 21, 1966, he was the son of Joseph and Marjorie Kidd Hamel of Port Byron. He served in the US Navy and was employed as a vendor for Axcelis in Fishkill for the past 12 years.  He was a computer expert and a member of the American Legion.

On July 7, 1984 in Auburn, Eric married Robin Johnson who survives at home.  In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Hamel and her fiancé, Josh Mejorado of Poughquag; his son, Michael Hamel of Hopewell Junction; his granddaughter, Mallorie Mejorado; his brother, Michael Hamel and his wife Lori of Cayuga; his sisters, Wendy Hamel of Port Byron, Terry Petrosino of Auburn and Sheila Smith and her husband, Earl of Port Byron; his mother-in-law, Anita Johnson of Deltona, FL; his sister-in-law, Karen Applebee; his brothers-in-law, Dale Johnson and his wife Lori and Wayne Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home with military honors.