John William Hampel, aged 86, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from Parkinson's disease.

Born on August 3, 1939, in Beirut, Lebanon, while his father was a professor at the American University of Beirut.  The family returned to the United States at the beginning of World War II, and John was raised in Yonkers, New York. John earned a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from New York University and subsequently served as a Professor Emeritus at SUNY Delhi for 28 years. John has been a resident of Downsville, New York, for thirty years.  John contributed his time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors.  After retiring from SUNY Delhi in 2000, John began helping the elderly prepare their tax returns; in this capacity, he held the positions of Counselor, Instructor, and Coordinator for the Delaware County AARP Tax Counseling Program for twenty years.  He also devoted his time and energies to the Colchester Community United Methodist Church, serving as Trustee and Treasurer, and assisting at their Community Food Bank.  John held leadership positions at various organizations, including President of the Colchester Senior Citizens, Treasurer of the Downsville Lions Club, and Vice President of the Delaware County Senior Council, where he was honored as the Senior Citizen of the Year in 2015.

John had a keen interest in Ham Radio, conducting FSS exams for those hoping to attain a Ham Radio license.  John was a member and officer in the Walton, Margaretville, and Oneonta Ham Radio clubs.

John was an active and industrious man who enriched the lives of those he served through his volunteerism.

He was predeceased by his parents and brothers, David, Stephen, and Daniel Hampel.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Kay Hood Parisi-Hampel; his stepson, Benjamin Parisi (Hannah Haas Parisi); and his two grandchildren, Zelda and Franklin Parisi, in Arlington, VA.  John's children by a prior marriage: daughters Sarah Campbell, Rachael Harrington; son Christopher Harrington (Brett), granddaughters Zee and Amelia, and grandsons Auguste Harrington and Daniel Campbell, all in New Zealand.

John is also survived by his sister Jean E. Hampel of Albany, NY.  His sister-in-law's, Anne Hood (Jeff Parkinson), Downsville, and Janet Rode (Robert) Kemmerer, WY., Jean Stellute, Stuarts Draft, Va.; brother-in-law Roy (Terry) Hood, Fort Meyers, FL., nephews; Christopher Beavers (Caroline) of Malone, NY, Gene Beavers (Kristina) Spencer, NY, Thomas Rode (Ginger), nieces; Maris, Astrid Rode, Littleton, Co.; as well as many nieces, nephews, former students, and colleagues.

A memorial service to honor John's life will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, with a visitation at 10 AM and an 11 AM service to follow at the Colchester Community Church, Main Street, Downsville, NY. Reverend Christine Linderberg presiding.  A reception will follow, where family and friends are invited to share their stories and memories.

In place of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Colchester Community United Methodist Church or the Downsville Lions Club.