Ronald Curtis “Curt” Hamil, 85, of Fort Loudon, PA passed away at 3:32 AM June 6, 2023, at Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, following a stroke.
Born January 7, 1938, in Fort Loudon, PA he was a son of the late Robert Curtis Hamil and Florence DiMaggio (Leab) and a step-son to the late Joseph DiMaggio, Sr., all interred in Stenger Hill Cemetery, Fort Loudon, PA
As a boy, Curt aided family income delivering newspapers. He left school early to join the U.S. Air Force in 1956, where he earned his GED in Germany and spent 8 years of active service on various bases. Those who knew him well, know he kicked Muammar Gaddafi’s butt-literally.
After his military service, Curt was employed at various manufacturing facilities, mostly as a welder. He was a team member assembled by John L. Grove to open JLG Industries in McConnellsburg, PA. Over the years, he was employed as a warranty specialist, dock worker, sheet metal specialist, lathe operator, club manager, bag boy, security guard and church maintenance.
Curt was an athlete when he was young, receiving a varsity letter in soccer as an underclassman. Later, he became a long-time member of the Old Timers softball team and was often involved in bowling, pool, horseshoe, and card leagues. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He was a member of various veteran’s clubs and attended several churches over the years. Most recently, he enjoyed listening to the Gospel Jamboree every Friday night at Brindle’s Auction. He always favored spending time socializing with friends and family.
Surviving are 5 children, Sherry L. Hamil of Chambersburg, PA; Danita A. McGowan of Dry Run, PA; Sonya M. Burdge Jones of Washingnton, PA; Edsel Burdge, Jr. of Shippensburg, PA; Audrey R. Sellers of Chambersburg, PA and their respective spouses. Additional survivors include a sister-in-law, Leah Hamil of Fort Loudon, PA; beloved companion, Cassie Book, of Doylesburg, PA; 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his late spouses, Vonnie Arlene (Piper) Hamil and Bonnie Jean (Mellott) Selby; a daughter, Carmen Denise McLaughlin; a son-in-law, Jim Sherman; a grandson, Casey Ehrhart and 6 siblings.
Graveside services and Military Honors will be held July 22, 2023, at 1 p.m. in the Amberson Union Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Gathering will immediately follow at the Amberson Community Center.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Agett-Lakjer Funeral Home.
Many thanks to the staff and residents of the South 2 wing of the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home. Curt became a valued member of their community. They were, indeed, his beloved and faithfully honored second family.
