Leo Stanley "Stan the Man" Hamel, 87, of North Utica, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2015 at Faxton-St. Luke's Heathcare. Stan was born in Massena, NY on May 23, 1928, a son of John and Roseann (Rivier) Hamel. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 -1949 serving aboard the USS Leary. Stan married Cecilia Nardo on July 19, 1953 at St. Joseph's Church in Dolgeville, NY. For over 30 years, Stan was employed with the Department of Defense and was assigned to General Electric in Utica, retiring in 1983. Stan was a parishioner and usher of St. Peter's Church and a former choir member and canter. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #189, American Legion Post #229 and the V.F.W. in Massena, NY. He was an avid sportsman and participated in all sports. Most of all Stan enjoyed golfing and running, having run in the first Boilermaker and several more after that. Stan was a handyman who derived great joy in working indoors and outdoors around the house. Stan is survived by his wife, Cecilia, three daughters, Diana Giffune, of Chadwicks, Judith Mitchell and husband Tim, of Central Square, NY and Linda Benjamin and husband Donald, of Marcy, six grandchildren, Jacquelyn Giffune, of Astoria, NY, Renee Giffune, of King of Prussia, PA, Leah Mitchell, of Liverpool, NY, Evan Mitchell, of Central Square, NY, Kenneth Koperda and wife Nicole, of Minneapolis, MN, and Joseph Koperda. of Marcy, a sister, Albertine Mattison, of Massena, NY, a brother, Leslie Hamel and wife Mary. of Denison, TX, and many nieces and nephews. Stan was predeceased by a brother, Edward Hamel. Mr. Hamel's funeral with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 9:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica and at 10:00 from St. Peter's Church, North Utica. Entombment will take place in the Holy Trinity Cemetery Mausoleum. Calling hours at the funeral home are Tuesday from 4-7. Those so wishing may make donations to St. Peter's Church or St. Jude's Children's Hospital. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. William Krause and Dr. Alicia Detraglia for all the loving care they gave to Stan. Stan will dearly be missed by his family, friends and neighbors.