GOP Leader and Union Steward David F. Hamlin Dies at 83
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
David F. Hamlin, 83 passed away peacefully on April 19, 2022, with his family by his side. Born in Utica, New York he was the son of the late Napoleon and Florence (Lebert) Hamlin. He was the devoted husband to Elizabeth E. (Crook) Hamlin, they celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary this past January.
After earning his High School Diploma, he went on to enlist in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country during the Vietnam Era from 1957 – 1966. During his time of service, he became a trained Boiler Tender and after he was honorably discharged, he entered civilian life at Welsh Mfg. Co. as a toolmaker’s apprentice, proudly graduating to become one of their Master Toolmakers. Later he went onto Universal Optical Co, J. & I. Mfg. Co, and finally F. Ronci Co. He was able to translate all he had learned in that industry as a Journeyman Toolmaker for Brown & Sharpe Mfg. Co. before entering the field of Public Education.
All through his life Dave was a lifelong learner and education was important to him. He attended Johnson and Wales University in 1974 where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration. Surely that wasn’t enough, so he attended Rhode Island College in 1990 to receive his Bachelor of Vocational Education and then later returning to secure a ELL and Special Education Teaching Certificate. This led to a rewarding career spending time first passing on his craft and passion to the future of Providence Vocational Education Machine Tech program at Hanley Vocational, and then caring for, teaching and advocating for the districts fragile Special Education Population. He was also a proud member of the Providence Teacher’s union and spent his retirement advocating for the rights and voice of his fellow beloved union members.
In his free time, he was active in local politics which included his time as the Chairperson of Ward 12 for the Republican Party from 1974-75, a member of the Executive Committee, Providence City Committee for the Republican Party from 1974-85, and a member of the Capital Hill Interaction Committee from 1975-77. He enjoyed devoting time to professional organizations as well he was a member of International Association of the Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 129 from 1975-85 and a Union Stewart and Committee Man, Toolroom, Universal Optical Co from 1981-85. Dave also was a committee member of the Providence Community Development from 1975-79 and a member of the Golf League for Welch Mfg. Co. from 1969-75.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his two loving and devoted daughters Sandra A Hamlin, Victoria M. Hamlin Rashid. He was also the devoted grandfather of David Hamlin, Shane Hamlin and his partner Danielle Moore, and Richard E. Hamlin. He was the loving great grandfather of Ava. M. Hamlin, Neal D. Hamlin, and Kylie Moore. He was the brother of Sharon Hamlin. He was predeceased by his five siblings Dorothy, Robert, Margarit, Richard, and Carol Hamlin. He was a loving family-centered guy and designed a special extended family whose members included Gary and his daughter Michele “Millie” Monti and daughters, Steven Rienzi to list a few.
His funeral will be held Monday, April 25, 2022, at 10:00 am St. Augustine Church, 20 Old Rd. Providence. Burial with military honor will follow in Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Everyone is invited to go directly to the church.
VISITING HOURS will be held Sunday from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory. In lieu of flowers please donate to Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, 1010 Hartford Ave., Johnston, RI 02919 or [email protected] or to Rhode Island College Alumni Association, 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave. Providence, RI 02908.
