The families of Richard T. Hamilton, Sr. are sad to announce Richard's passing on April 11, 2016, at the Jameson Memorial Hospital in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Richard fought a valiant health battle with leukemia the past three years.  Richard was surrounded by his wife and family at the time of his passing.  The love he shared with his family was evident to all those present.

Richard was born in New Castle on September 17, 1930, the second child of Lewis W. and the former Esther E. Graham.  He graduated from New Castle Senior High School in June of 1948.

After graduating from High School, Richard worked at the A&P Food Store in New Castle.  In 1951, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served four years on the USS Montrose PA-212 as a storekeeper.  Stationed in San Diego, California, he proudly served his country during the Korean War in the seas of Japan.  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

After his discharge, Richard took full advantage of the GI bill and attended Youngstown State University, graduating in 1958 with a B.S. degree in Education.  Richard began his teaching career as a student teacher at St. Mary's Parochial School in New Castle.  In 1959, he was hired by Beaver Local School District in East Liverpool, Ohio, where he taught Social Studies and History until 1963.  In 1963, Richard was hired by his Alma Mater, beginning his long and distinguished career as a teacher at New Castle Senior High School.  He taught Social Studies, World Cultures, World History, U.S History, Problems of Democracy, and Honors Classes in U.S. History.  He was long recognized as one of the school's best teachers.  He retired in 1995.  During his teaching years at New Castle Senior High School, Richard continued his education, obtaining a Master's Degree, Secondary Principal Certificate, and Guidance Certificate from Westminster College.

Richard had a lifetime passion and love for golf.  As a boy, he caddied at the New Castle Country Club and began playing golf with his friends at age 14.  Richard was a standout golfer at New Castle Senior High School, where he was a three year letterman from 1946-1948, including holding the #1 position his senior year.  He was a top line competitor on the local links for many years.  After returning from the Navy, he competed for many years in local tournaments and played in several golf leagues, including the City League, Church League, and leagues sponsored by the Eagles Club and Valentine's Restaurant.  He had two holes in one at his home course, Sylvan Heights, where he was a member for decades.  He especially loved playing golf with his son, Rick, and grandchildren.

In addition to playing golf, Richard was the long-time head golf coach at New Castle Senior High School, where he coached for 24 years.  In 1995, he coached the first and only team in the school's history to win the WPIAL golf championship.  He previously coached a WPIAL runner-up team.  In addition, his golf teams won several section and MAC titles.

Richard also had a passion and love for basketball.  For many years he was a standout player in New Castle.  He starred for his Naval base, where he was recognized for being equally adept in shooting with his right and left hands.  In New Castle, he played for many independent teams, including Figo AC, which was comprised of the best area players.  Richard and his teams played against top professional and semi-pro teams and attractions like the Harlem Magicians with Marquis Haynes, the House of David, Bevo Francis, and countless others.  He also played for many years in the City League.  In the 1950's, Richard refereed in elementary and junior high basketball leagues under Reese Flannery, as well as in the City League.

On August 8, 1959, Richard T. and Virginia Pearce Hamilton were united in marriage at a High Mass with Monsignor Francis M. McCarter in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in New Castle.  They have five children:  Deborah Lou, Richard Thomas Jr., Lori Anne Elizabeth, Jennifer Leigh, and Walter Shawn.

Richard was active in the AMVETS Post #281 in New Castle for over 20 years, serving as Adjutant and Treasurer.  He also was a member of the VFW New Castle Post #315 and the American Legion Post #343.  In addition he was a member of the Eagles Club of New Castle, where he attained "Golden Eagle" status, and the Eintracht Club.  He was also a member of PASR.

In fighting his courageous battle with leukemia (AML) for three years, Richard was formally recognized by the Cleveland Clinic for his participation as a volunteer in cancer research trial programs.  The Cleveland Clinic's citation reads as follows:  "It is the involvement of individuals like you who are part of the effort in the fight to conquer cancer that makes the advancement of medical science possible and provides an ultimate benefit to humanity."

Richard is a member of St. Mary's Church, Mary, Mother of Hope Parish in New Castle.

Richard leaves to mourn his wife of 57 years, Virginia; his daughters Deborah Lou (Henry) Ostaszewicz, Lori Anne Elizabeth Hamilton and Jennifer Leigh (Robert) Presnar; his sons Richard Thomas  (Amy) Hamilton, Jr. and  Walter Shawn Hamilton; 11 grandchildren, Jacquelyn (William) Cunning, Michael Audino, Richard Audino, Brigitte Audino,  Richard Hamilton III,  Caroline Hamilton, Pierce Hamilton, Stephanie Presnar, Ashleigh Presnar, Robert Presnar and Thomas Presnar; two step-grandchildren, Stephen (Tara) Ostaszewicz and  Michael (Shannon) Ostaszewicz; and four great step-grandchildren, Joshua, Jillian, Lucas and Brandon Ostaszewicz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis W. and Esther E. Hamilton, his sister BarbaraLou W. Hamilton, and many loving brothers and sisters in law.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the "Richard T. Hamilton Memorial Scholarship Fund, NCASD."  This annual scholarship will recognize the top senior student in Honors U.S. History at New Castle Senior High School. Contributions can be sent directly to the following address:  New Castle Area School District, Attention Business Office, 420 Fern Street, New Castle, PA 16101

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 111 W. Falls St. The New Castle Area Honor Guard will conduct military rites at 7:15 p.m. in the funeral home.

A procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Friday for St. Mary's Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at10:00 a.m. The Rev. William P. Siple, Parochial Vicar, will officiate.

Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery.