09/23/2026
It is with sad news to let you know. Damian Hambley has went to be with his lord and savior. He is the reason Butler County Veterans in Need became what it is today. Please keep Mary and his family in you prayer.
Damian Hambley Obituary
Damian Stephen Hambley, age 95, of Boyers passed away Thursday morning, September 17, 2026, while in the care of the Sgt Kusick Veteran Community Living Center (CLC).
Damian was born on July 7, 1931, in Hastings, Pennsylvania as the son of the late William Joseph and Nora Mary ( McMillan) Hambley. He proudly served his country during the Korean War in the United States Navy aboard a Sea Plane Tender the USS Currituck (AV-7) and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
He retired from the Chevrolet Parma Plant, General Motors after 31.5 years, where he was a Gang Leader Supervisor and millwright. He retired in 1981 and moved to Butler County, Pa 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 on 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; twelve 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 Chief-De Gare of the Butler County40/8 non-profit dedicated to awarding scholarships to nursing students. Damian also took a leading role along with his wife, Mary, in founding the non-profit, Butler County Veterans in Need. It is a private, non-profit 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 is 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.
Family and Friends will be received for visitation from 2-4 and 6-8 on Friday, Sept 25, 2026 at the William F. Young Funeral Home 132 Main Street West Sunbury. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M Saturday, September 26, 2026 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Forestville with Reverend Sean Francis officiating.
Military honors will be provided by VFW Post 249 Butler, American Legion Post 778 Lyndora and American Legion 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 #2, 1610 North Main Street, Butler, PA, 16001.
