Joseph Patrick Graham Hamilton Sr, 87, of Hopewell, affectionately known throughout the community as “Pappy Jake,” passed away on February 21st, 2025. He was born on December 4th, 1937, the son of the late Charles A. Sr. and Rosella (Graham) Hamilton.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 51 years, Gayle A. (Goettman) Hamilton, who he shared a beautiful life with and their cherished sons and family. He found his second love, Frances (Ungarean) Hamilton, who also preceded him in death.
He is also preceded in death by brother and sister-in-law, Charles A. Jr. and Betty Hamilton and brothers-in-law, Howard Hayes, Thomas R. Goettman, Jr. and Frank Opalinisky. He is survived by two devoted sons and their wives who were like daughters to him, Joseph Patrick Graham “Joe” and June Hamilton Jr. and John T. and Lisa Hamilton Sr, his grandchildren: Joseph T. (Valerie) Hamilton, Shane Hamilton, John T. Hamilton Jr., Alex Hamilton and Lauren Hamilton; his great- grandchildren: Scout, Wyatt, Chase, Jacob, Kaylee, Graham, Lilliann, Leah, Avery, and Miles; a sister, Sally Hayes, sister-in-law, Suzanne (Goettman) Opalinsky, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
Joseph was a devout member of Our Lady of Fatima Church where he faithfully attended mass on Sunday and assisted with church activities.
For many years, Joseph and his wife Gayle were the owners of Ham’s bar, in Rochester where fun was had by all. He was a founding member of Beaver Valley Boys Inc., of Marienville, Pennsylvania, a camp and club he was very proud of. He built many lifelong relationships with family and friends while constructing the camp from the ground up.
Joseph was a graduate of New Brighton High School. After high school, he went on to attend and graduate from Geneva College where he obtained his Master’s Degree. He pursued his love of knowledge as a teacher at Quaker Valley School District until his retirement. He was a member of the Rochester Volunteer Fireman’s Department and a member of The Knights of Columbus, demonstrating his love and passion for connecting with his community.
He enjoyed travelling all over the United States. He especially loved his fishing trips to Canada with his two sons, hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews at camp.
He will always be remembered for his infectious and fun-loving personality, always sharing a smile and his love with whomever he met.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 2nd from 3-7 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 3rd. Everyone is asked to meet in the church. He will be laid to rest with his wife Gayle at Beaver Cemetery.