Hambley

Damian Stephen Hambley, 95, of Boyers, passed away Thursday morning, Sept. 17, 2026, while in the care of the Sergeant Joseph George Kusick VA Community Living Center.

Damian was born July 7, 1931, in Hastings, Pa., the son of the late William Joseph and Nora Mary (McMillan) Hambley.

He proudly served his country during the Korean War in the U.S. Navy aboard a seaplane tender, the USS Currituck (AV-7), and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

He retired from the Chevrolet Parma Plant, General Motors, after 31½ years, where he was a gang leader supervisor and millwright. He retired in 1981, and moved to Butler County to build an earth-sheltered house in a secluded part of Cherry Township. His appreciation of nature, as well as enjoyment of deer hunting, did not hinder his volunteer work to the greater Butler County area. Damian was of the Roman Catholic faith as a member of St. Faustina Parish, attending St. Anthony Church in Forestville.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Mary M. (Stoltz) Hambley, whom he married April 11, 1953; one daughter, Nora (Richard) Voytko, of Florida; four sons, Stephen (Cheryl) Hambley, of Ohio, Brian (Claire) Hambley, of Colorado, Darryl Hambley, of Boyers, and Larry (Becky) Hambley, of Ohio; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by five sisters; six brothers; daughter-in-law, Susan; great-grandson, Darrion Rock; and grandson-in-law, Joshua Rock.

His love for the Butler area community was only exceeded by his dedication to veterans and tireless volunteer work for veteran-related organizations. He was Commander of VFW Post 6231 and American Legion Post 393 in Slippery Rock, where he served in various leadership positions, including county and district commander. Over the decades of community service, he was awarded and recognized by a great diversity of organizations including the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, state elected officials, as well as state VFW and American Legion leaders. Similarly, Damian was a Chef de Gare of the Butler County Forty and Eight, a nonprofit dedicated to awarding scholarships to nursing students. Damian also took a leading role along with his wife, Mary, in founding the nonprofit Butler County Veterans in Need. It is a private, nonprofit corporation based in Butler providing emergency financial assistance and furniture for veterans.

When asked about his feelings regarding an award he was receiving for volunteering, Damian was quoted as saying, “I never did it for the recognition, I just did it to help people. I never dreamt of receiving recognition for volunteering.” As part of Catholic teachings, humility is widely regarded as a virtue essential for ethical living.

HAMBLEY — Family and friends of Damian Stephen Hambley, who died Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, will be received for visitation from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at WILLIAM F. YOUNG FUNERAL HOME, 132 Main St., West Sunbury.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Forestville, with the Rev. Sean Francis officiating.

Military honors will be accorded by VFW Post 249, Butler, American Legion Post 778, Lyndora, and VFW Post 499, Evans City

Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Veterans in Need would be appreciated. Please make checks payable to Veterans in Need Fund, Building No. 2, 1610 N. Main St., Butler, PA 16001.

If desired, online condolences may be sent to www.williamfyoungfh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.