Joel Lino Hammer

Joel Lino Hammer passed away peacefully at his home on August 15, 2025. Born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on September 3,1937, he was the fourth and youngest child of the late Burton W. and Margherita T. (Gazzotti) Hammer of Haverhill, Massachusetts and the husband of the late Paula Ann (Stephens) Hammer. He grew up in Haverhill and graduated from both the Haverhill High School and Haverhill Trade School in 1955.

Joel worked for several tool and die makers in Massachusetts after graduation, as well as serving eight years in the US Naval Reserves. Eventually he ended up working at AVCO, where he met his future wife and the love of his life Paula. They were married in 1962 and celebrated 60 years of marriage together. They enjoyed snow skiing together in their younger days, and traveling together as they moved into the later stages of their lives, visiting all 48 contiguous Lower States. He and Paula particularly loved visiting the many national parks in the western United States.

As well as AVCO, Joel worked at Sanders and Lincoln Labs in the 1960’s and early 1970’s on the space program. Living first in Atkinson, New Hampshire then Chelmsford, Massachusetts, they raised their three children, Todd, Steven, and Michelle. Starting in 1976, for the next two and a half years they moved several times before ending up in Lilburn, Georgia in 1979, where Joel and Paula would spend the rest of their lives together.

Joel worked for several companies in the Atlanta area before founding the J.L. Hammer Company working on his true passion, creating customized furniture. His works were displayed in several museums and written about in woodworking journals. After he retired, Joel proceeded to spend the rest of his life being a devoted grandfather, enjoyed playing poker, and returning to New England to visit family and friends every summer.

Joel is survived by his sons Todd (Rose) of Alexandria, VA and caregiver Steven (Ynes) Hammer of Lilburn, GA, son-in-law Barney Daniels of Dacula, GA, grandchildren Tyler and Daniella Hammer of Lilburn, GA and Kaylie Daniels of Dacula, GA, five step-grandchildren, and seven step-great grandchildren, five nephews and three nieces, and close brother-in-law Lawrence (Lolly) Cote of Plaistow, New Hampshire. He was predeceased by his wife Paula and daughter Michelle.