Joseph Patrick Graham Hamilton Sr.

Joseph Patrick Graham Hamilton Sr, 87, of Hopewell PA, affectionately known throughout the community as “Pappy Jake” went home to be with the Lord on February 21, 2025. He was born on December 4, 1937, to the late Charles A. Sr. and Rosella (Graham) Hamilton. He is joyfully reunited with his first wife of 51 years, Gayle A. (Goettman) Hamilton, who he shared a beautiful life with and their cherished sons and family. He found his second love, Frances (Ungarean) Hamilton, who also proceeded him in death. He is also proceeded in death by brother and sister-in-law, Charles A. Jr. and Betty Hamilton, brothers-in-law, Howard Hayes, Thomas R. Goettman, Jr. and Frank Opalinisky. Graham was a devout member of Our Lady of Fatima Church where he faithfully attended mass on Sunday and assisted with church activities. For many years, Graham and his wife Gayle were the owners of Ham’s bar, in Rochester where fun was had by all. He was a founding member of Beaver Valley Boys Inc., Marienville, PA, a camp and club he was very proud of. He built many lifelong relationships with family and friends while constructing the camp from the ground up. Graham was a graduate of New Brighton High school. After high school, Graham went on to attend and graduate from Geneva College where he obtained his Master’s Degree. He pursued his love of knowledge as a teacher at Quaker Valley School District until his retirement. He was a member of the Rochester Volunteer Fireman’s Department and a member of The Knights of Columbus, demonstrating his love and passion for connecting with his community. Graham enjoyed travelling all over the United States. He especially loved his fishing trips to Canada with his two sons, hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews at camp. He will always be remembered for his infectious and fun-loving personality, always sharing a smile and his love with whomever he met. He is survived by two devoted sons and their wives who were like daughters to him, Joseph Patrick Graham “Joe” and June Hamilton Jr. and John T. and Lisa Hamilton Sr. His grandchildren, Joseph T. (Valerie) Hamilton, Shane Hamilton, John T. Hamilton Jr., Alex Hamilton and Lauren Hamilton. His great – grandchildren, Scout, Wyatt, Chase, Jacob, Kaylee, Graham, Lilliann, Leah, Avery, and Miles, a sister, Sally Hayes and sister-in-law, Suzanne (Goettman) Opalinsky. In addition to many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3-7 pm in the Noll Funeral Home Inc. 333 Third Street Beaver PA 15009. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Valley Parish, Saints Peter and Paul Church at 10:00 am Monday. Everyone is asked to meet in church. He will be laid to rest with his wife Gayle at Beaver Cemetery.