Donald R. Hamlin, 83, of Clinton, passed away Tuesday August 21, 2012, at his home with his family by his side. Don was born in Burlington, Vermont on July 21, 1929, the son of Treflee and Margaret (Hammond) Hamlin. He was raised and educated in Burlington, Vermont, attending Cathedral High School, and then St. Michael's College in Winooski, Vermont. He served in the Army Reserves, and then in college was activated and served in the Army from 1950 to 1952. On November 27, 1952, Don married Helen E. Monahan on Thanksgiving Day in Burlington Vermont, celebrating with a turkey dinner. He was a high school English teacher in Geneva, New York for 3 years, and then in Clinton from 1958 until he retired in 1985. He worked as a high school basketball official for more than 50 years, was a house painter for more than 50 years, painting most of the houses in Clinton, and he sold insurance and real estate. For many years of his retirement he cared lovingly for his daughter Terri, who had MS, and for his wife Helen in her many years of failing health. Don was a member of St. Mary's Church since he moved to Clinton in 1958, was a trustee of the church for more than 25 years, and was instrumental in the building of the school. He served as lector at mass every week in his early days in Clinton, and was a long time member of the St. Mary's Cemetery Association. Many know Don for his devout faith, and his daily attendance at mass for most of his life. Don was a member of numerous organizations in the community, including church groups, the American Legion, the men's and woman's basketball officials organizations, and has received many awards for his dedication to the community, sports and students. Don was known in the community for all he did for others, his devotion to his church and his family, and for always having a smile on his face and a joke to share. Don is survived by his loving children and sons-in-law, Donna Hamlin and Gary Mingle of CA, Helene Hamlin and Jim Rowland of Ilion, Bryan Diliberto of NC, Richard Hamlin of CO, Susan and John Nasci of Rome, and Nancy Hamlin of NC. He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren, Angelika and Maya Harkins, Julya Hamlin, Courtney and Tela Diliberto, Garrett and Paige Hamlin, and Gaetano Nasci. Don is also survived by his "other children", Nick Venero, Dave Lane, and Ken Kelsey, and many special friends. Also surviving are his siblings Paul (Annette) Hamlin, and Leon (Jan) Hamlin, of Vermont, brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his loving wife Helen, his daughters Kathryn Diliberto, and Terri Hamlin, and many of his siblings. Don Hamlin's funeral will be held Tuesday August 28, 2012 at 9:30 a.m., at St. Mary's Church, Clinton, where his mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Clinton. Relatives and friends may call at Heintz Funeral Home, 10 East Park Row, Clinton, Monday evening from 4 - 7 p.m. Donation may be made to the St. Mary's Cemetery Association in Don's memory.