SOUTHWICK – Douglas H. Hamberg, 90, of Vining Hill Road, died peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on Saturday, October 20, 2012. He was a life-long resident here and a 1939 graduate of Westfield High School.He worked at the Wackerbarth Box Shop in Granville for over 50 years. He was a 75-year member of Christ Church United Methodist, serving his church in many capacities, including 44 years as church treasurer. He was a proud World War II veteran trained as a navigator, flying 30 missions on a B-24 Liberator for the 449th Bomb Group in the 15th Division of the U.S. Army Air Force based in Italy, and separated with the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
He leaves his beloved wife of 66 years, Rheta (Fuller) Hamberg of Southwick; a dear sister, Carol Jones and her husband Clyde of Southwick; three devoted children, Claudia Stevenson and her husband Paul of Feeding Hills, Cynthia Neary and her husband Kenneth Jr. of Westfield, and Charles Hamberg and his wife Pamela of Greenfield; six adored grandchildren, Brian Neary and his wife Kendra of Charlotte, NC, Elizabeth Neary of Montclair, NJ, David Stevenson and his wife Jacqueline of Portsmouth, NH, Jeffrey Hamberg and his wife Faith of Orange, Jillian Neary of Cambridge and Malarie Hamberg of Greenfield; a cherished great-grandson, Matthew Hamberg of Orange; and a large and close-knit extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Elsie (Anderson) Hamberg and his brother, Donald Hamberg, all of Southwick.
Douglas lived a life of unwavering faith in God and love of his family. He purchased an acre of wooded land in Southwick, half way between his family’s farm and the Fuller family lakeside cottage. He designed and constructed the home where he would raise his family and live for 58 years. He was hard-working throughout his life, displayed an abundance of quiet strength, and was always available to help others in need. Douglas Hamberg was the embodiment of the “greatest generation” because faith, family and patriotism truly defined his life.
Douglas will be remembered on Saturday, October 27th, at Christ Church United Methodist, 222 College Highway, Southwick, MA. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. followed by a time of fellowship in the church hall. There are no calling hours. The Hamberg family would like to extend special thanks to Mercy Hospice for their care and support in recent months.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial Fund, Christ Church United Methodist, 222 College Highway, Southwick, MA 01077 or to the charity of one’s choice. Southwick-Forastiere Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.
