Paul C. Hamel, Sr., 86, of Burlington, passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at the Masonic Home of New Jersey. Born in Jersey City, he was a resident of North Bergen and Florida for many years before moving to the Masonic Home. Paul was a self employed upholster in the North Bergen area for many years. A WWII Army veteran, Paul was a member of BSMTMD No. 35 F. & A.M and a member and Past Patron of Guiding Star Chapter OES, (now Amore Chapter 176 OES.)

Predeceased by his son, Rodney Hamel, he was survived by his wife, Rita Hamel who passed away shortly after him. Paul is survived by two sons and three daughters-in-law, Paul Jr. and Cecelia Hamel of Bergenfield, Robert and Janet Pedersen of North Bergen and Karen Hamel of Florida; two sisters, Edna Harris of Secaucus and Margaret Kaden of Florida; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10am on Friday, December 18th at the Masonic Home Chapel, 902 Jacksonville Rd., Burlington. A Masonic and Eastern Star memorial service for all family and friends will be held at 2pm on Sunday, January 17, 2010, at the Secaucus Masonic Temple, 1422 Paterson Plank Rd., Secaucus, NJ. Memorial contributions may be made to the Masonic Charity Foundation, 902 Jacksonville Rd., Burlington, NJ 08016. Arrangements under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, Bordentown.