Final Salute

On January 16, 2026, Roger A. Hamel passed peacefully at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, surrounded and held by his wife and two daughters. He faced lymphoma with courage and determination, embodying the same quiet strength and resolve that defined his life. Above all else, Roger was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, patriot, and man of faith.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Armand and Arlene Hamel, and his younger brother, David Hamel.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Donna; his daughter Renee and her husband Scott, and their son; and his daughter Lauren and her husband Cory, and their two daughters. He is also survived by his sister, Rita, and brothers Denis, Norman, and Andrew, along with their families, all of whom he held close to his heart.

Roger enlisted in the United States Navy Seabees in July 1971 and proudly served his country for 22 years. His distinguished career took him around the world. He was stationed in Gulfport, Mississippi, with deployments as part of Naval Mobile Construction Battalions, followed by a three‑year tour in Sigonella, Sicily. He later served in Port Hueneme, California, as a Chief Petty Officer with NMCB 5, deploying to Rota, Spain; the island of Yap; and Okinawa, Japan. Roger went on to serve as Assistant Officer in Charge of CBU‑422, a newly commissioned construction battalion unit in Washington, D.C. Promoted to Master Chief, he returned to Port Hueneme as an instructor at the Civil Engineer Corps Officer and Seabee training facility (CECOS). He retired from the U.S. Navy Seabees in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, integrity, and unwavering dedication to those he served alongside.

Following his military retirement, Roger began a second career with AECOM, where he managed major renovation and expansion projects at Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Virginia. He played a key role in overseeing work on the historically significant main terminal, as well as the airport’s rail stations and parking facilities. After the completion of the Dulles projects, Roger joined NXL Engineering, where he oversaw and inspected construction of the Metro rail expansion to Dulles Airport, including several new stations extending westward into Loudoun County. Upon completion of the Metro rail project, Roger retired for a second time in 2022 and embraced the joy of unhurried days with his family.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Roger lived fully and purposefully. An avid runner, he took pride in completing the Marine Corps Marathon, a testament to his discipline and perseverance. He delighted in simple pleasures, especially spending weekends with his grandchildren cheering them on at their sporting events and in his yard, carefully tending the lawn and taking deep satisfaction in the sight of green, healthy grass. Travel was another great joy in his life, and he treasured family vacations to Arizona, the Carolina coast, New England, Ireland, and Caribbean cruises, creating memories and epic tales that will be cherished for generations.

Roger’s life was marked by service, faith, and love—love for his family, his country, and the many people whose lives he touched along the way. He will be remembered for his steady presence, his sharp wit and humor, his pride in a job well done, and the example he set for those who had the honor of knowing him.

Visitation for Roger will be held at Moser Funeral Home in Warrenton, VA, from 5-7pm on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Church service will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church in Warrenton, Virginia, at 11am on Thursday, February 12, 2026, with reception following. Roger will be laid to rest with full military honors at Quantico National Cemetery in the presence of his family.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Roger’s passion for helping others, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Blood Cancer United to support families walking similar journeys. Any flowers received will be donated to St. John the Evangelist Church.