William A. Hamilton, MD
April 17, 1938 - September 26, 2025
William A. Hamilton, MD, age 87, of Newark, DE, and formerly of Wilbraham, MA, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Born in Detroit, MI, on April 17, 1938, he was the son of the late William Alexander and Grace (Shurlow) Hamilton, Sr. After completing his early studies at Western Michigan University and Wayne State University, William went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1963. He then completed his medical internship at Detroit Receiving Hospital, followed by a residency in Pathology at Henry Ford Hospital. A proud veteran, William served two years as a Major in the United States Air Force Medical Corps during the Vietnam era, stationed at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee Falls, MA. His career in medicine spanned decades, including serving as Director of Microbiology at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA from 1970 to 1990, Pathologist with Medlab Clinical Testing in New Castle, DE, from 1990 to 1997, and later Pathologist with the VA Medical Center in Elsmere, DE, until his retirement in 1999. William was a member of the College of American Pathologists and the Elks Lodge in Punta Gorda, FL.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn Farrell and her husband, Dave. William is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Charlene (Mack) Hamilton; children, Chuck Hamilton and Thomas Hamilton (Gina); sisters, Sara Romano (Robert) and Patricia Lipkea (William) and grandchildren; Brianna, Alexis, and William.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:30 pm until 6 pm on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 6 pm. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William’s memory to University of Michigan Medical School, ATTN: Michigan Medicine Office of Development, 777 E. Eisenhower Pkwy., Suite 650, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 or by clicking here.
Gary Crenshaw
Dear Hamilton Family,
I was heartbroken to hear of Dr. Hamilton’s passing, and I want you to know how deeply my heart goes out to each of you—Chuck, Tom, Mom, and all who loved him.
Dr. Hamilton wasn’t just Chuck’s father—he was a guiding presence in my own life. Back in our Monson Academy days, Chuck and I were inseparable. I spent countless afternoons and weekends at your home in Wilbraham, and from the very beginning, Dr. Hamilton welcomed me with warmth and humor. He treated me not as a guest, but as family. Whether we were horseback riding in the summer, skiing in Vermont in the winter, or visiting relatives on Martha’s Vineyard, he made sure I felt included, respected, and valued.
He gave Chuck the kind of trust and independence that most kids only dream of—handing him the keys to the Vermont chalet, the family truck, and the freedom to grow into a man. That trust extended to me, too. In many ways, Dr. Hamilton helped shape the man I became. His quiet confidence, his kindness, and his unwavering support left a lasting impression.
Though time and distance may have moved us apart, the bond I feel with your family has never faded. You are still my family. And today, I mourn alongside you—not just for the loss of a great man, but for the end of an era that shaped so many of us.
Please know that I’m here for you. If there’s anything I can do, don’t hesitate to reach out. Dr. Hamilton’s legacy lives on in the strength, character, and love he instilled in all of you and in those of us lucky enough to have been welcomed into his orbit.
With heartfelt sympathy and love,
Gary.
David goff
Our deepest sympathy to the loss of a great father and husband
George Murray
My God comfort the family in this time of reflection and appreciation for the life that I believed touched and inspired many.
Ann Tharp
I worked with Dr. Hamilton for years at Medlab and he was a very kind man.
Merilyn Mofor
So sorry to hear of Dr. Hamilton’s passing. I was a neighbor to Chuck in Elkton. I met his parents whenever they came to mow Chuck’s lawn or walk his dog. Chuck’s parents are quiet, kind and always said hello. My deepest condolences to the family. May The Lord comfort and console you during this difficult times.
Doreen Naumchick
Years ago I worked with Dr Hamilton when he was the director of Microbiology. He was knowledgeable and so very kind. My condolences to the family.
Diane Thomas
My condolences to Charlene Hamilton and family for the loss of Bill Hamilton who was a good neighbor who will be missed.
Gary Gottschalk
I wish to extend my sympathies to the entire family. Bill was a good neighbor and he will be missed
Bruce A Hamilton
Dear Charlene and family,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of Dr Bill. I have so many good memories of Dr Bill and all the times we were together at family reunion’s. My earliest memories started when my parents took me to Lapeer to visit Dr Bill’s mother and father and the fun we had playing on the farm. May my cousin rest in piece.
Bruce
Shirley Cloutier
God bless you Dr Hamilton and keep you in his loving arms. I worked with DrHamilton at Baystate medical Center in Springfield , Mass. He was head of our Microbiology Lab. Since my family also had a farm and horses he used to stop in on occasion and we would talk about working on the farm. He was a nice gentleman and he liked to talk and I enjoyed talking with him..I often wondered how he was doing and thought about how big his sons must be now.So sorry for his family to now be missing him in their lives. God bless you all.