Celebrating the life of
Eugene L. Hammer
November 23, 1939 - June 04, 2012
Eugene L Hammer Jr.
Savannah, GA — Eugene Gene L Hammer Jr., 72, passed away at home Monday, June 4 surrounded by loving friends and family after a long illness.
Born in Wheaton, IL in November 1939, the son of Dr. Eugene L and Roberta Hammer, he spent most of his childhood in Kingston, Pennsylvania. Growing up, Gene loved tinkering with things, especially cars, and had his first hot rod shortly after he got his driver's license.
After graduating from Wilkes College in 1961 with an engineering degree, he moved to New York City. In New York, he met his first wife, Madeline Genise. They married in 1963 and eventually built a house and settled down in Pound Ridge, NY.
Gene started his career as a control salesman for Honeywell before moving into the HVAC service business. He worked for a few different service companies before buying his own company, Atlantic-Westchester, Inc. in Bedford Hills, NY, in 1979. Gene and Madeline jointly ran the business growing it into one of the most well respected service companies in Westchester County, New York.
In 1997, Gene retired to Savannah and rediscovered his love of cars. In retirement, he was an active participant in vintage racing in Georgia and throughout the Southeast and was happiest behind the wheel of his race car. When not racing, Gene liked to play golf and often described his golf game as "moments of brilliance surrounded by long periods of mediocrity". He also enjoyed collecting guns and target shooting. Gene had a terrific, sarcastic sense of humor, loved assigning new friends nicknames and would happily spend hours debating politics with any willing sparring partner.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Roberta Lee Hammer, and his first wife, Madeline Hammer. He is survived by his current wife, Pamela Oakes Hammer; his eldest son and daughter-in-law, Bud and Lisa Hammer of Katonah, NY; his youngest son and daughter-in-law, David and Megan Hammer of New Canaan, CT; his step-son, Patrick Mims of Macon, GA; step-daughter Brittany Pilcher of Savannah, GA; his three grandsons, Tyson, Max and Sam Hammer of New Canaan, CT; and his step-grandson Peyton Mims of Athens, GA.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00AM on Thursday June 7th at the Plantation Clubhouse at the Landings. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Savannah, PO Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.
Please sign our online guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Dear Lisa, Bud and Family members, Bud, we were just made aware today that your father passed away in June. I know he suffered for a long time, I believe he is in a better place now. Our sincere sympathy goes out to all of the Family he left behind.
- John Goss and Connie Wedel, Bluffton, SC
Our sympathies.
- Thomas V. Reilly, Savannah, GA
Dear Pam and Family, Please accept our deepest sympathies. Gene was in two of my golf groups, and his self deprecating humor was legendary. On many of our difficult par threes he would announce; 'The truly fine players lay up on this shot!' He was a great guy, and he will be sorely missed. Tom & Dagny Stanton
- Tom Stanton, Savannah, GA
Dear Mary, David and family, On behalf of the LBVA villa and apartment owners I offer you our sincere condolences with the passing away of Gene. I know from your friends at Long Bay that you all enjoyed your time spend in Tortola and trust you will keep those fond memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Eric Bos LBVA Ltd.
- Eric Bos, LONDON, ON
Mary and I were fond of Gene and Madeline and spent many enjoyable hours sharing an evening of cards, political sparring and laughter. We know the last few years have been difficult and we are glad Pam was at his side. We will always remember the good times we shared.
- Marty Vernick, Savannah, GA
Dear Lisa, Bud and Family members, Bud, we were just made aware today that your father passed away in June. I know he suffered for a long time, I believe he is in a better place now. Our sincere sympathy goes out to all of the Family he left behind.
- John Goss and Connie Wedel, Bluffton, SC
Our sympathies.
- Thomas V. Reilly, Savannah, GA
Dear Pam and Family, Please accept our deepest sympathies. Gene was in two of my golf groups, and his self deprecating humor was legendary. On many of our difficult par threes he would announce; 'The truly fine players lay up on this shot!' He was a great guy, and he will be sorely missed. Tom & Dagny Stanton
- Tom Stanton, Savannah, GA
Dear Mary, David and family, On behalf of the LBVA villa and apartment owners I offer you our sincere condolences with the passing away of Gene. I know from your friends at Long Bay that you all enjoyed your time spend in Tortola and trust you will keep those fond memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Eric Bos LBVA Ltd.
- Eric Bos, LONDON, ON
Mary and I were fond of Gene and Madeline and spent many enjoyable hours sharing an evening of cards, political sparring and laughter. We know the last few years have been difficult and we are glad Pam was at his side. We will always remember the good times we shared.
- Marty Vernick, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
