July 23, 2013
Hamblen, George W. “Wes”
George Wesley “Wes” Hamblen, a resident of Norwood since 1984, died Sunday at the Norwood Hospital. He was 92 years old. A Mayflower descendant of Richard Warren, Wes was born in Boston. He was the son of the late George F. and Marion B. (Pearce) Hamblen. Wes graduated from Roslindale High School. In 1942, he joined the United States Army and was with the 243rd Field Artillery Battalion, World War II, Head Quarter division under General George Patton Third US Army. During the Battle of the Bulge, Wes was severely wounded during combat. He received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, for his heroism. After the war, he began working for Holtzer-Cabot, in Boston, as a Machine Operator. In 1964, he became a Mail Handler with the United States Postal Service at Boston’s South Postal Annex. Wes later held a managerial position before his retirement in 1986. He was a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Chapter 10 in Boston. As a boy he was a member of Boy Scout Troop 2 in West Roxbury and returned to the troop as an adult leader. He was the Sunday School Superintendent for the West Roxbury Methodist Church and later became a member of Bethany First United Methodist Church in Roslindale. A model railroading hobbyist, Wes was a member of the Mass Bay Railroad Enthusiasts and Sea Shore Trolley Museum. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years Mary “May” (Mackba) Hamblen. He is survived by his children Linda M. Cento of Norwood and her husband Robert and George W. Hamblen Jr. and his Lisa of Plaistow, NH.; his grandchildren Diane Simoni of Texas, Stephanie Simoni of Connecticut and Jake Hamblen of New Hampshire. Brother of the late Lauris Wilbur. Visiting hours will be held Thursday, July 25, 2013, 4-8 pm at Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, Westwood. Funeral services Friday at 11 am at First Parish Church, 340 Clapboardtree Street, Westwood. Burial in Highland Cemetery, Norwood. Donations in Wes’ memory may be made to DAV, Chapter 10 Hospital Transportation Program, Statehouse Room 546, Boston, MA. 02133.
Great man who lived a great life and had a great family. God Bless.
I was only privileged to meet my son-in-law Dave Connelly’s wonderful Uncle Wes one time and that was when Jeannie, Lauren and I were up in Boston in early October of 2007. Right then and there I realized what a very precious person this wonderful man was. At that time Jeannie was expecting their second child a son who will now be carrying on the name Wes. They could not have found a finer man after whom to name that little boy. May God grant him an eternity filled with the love and happiness that he so richly deserves.
Wes was true gentleman and avid war veteran for whom the “Greatest Generation” really meant something. He lived it and fought in it and was severely wounded. We were all proud to know him and call him a friend. May he now rest in peace.
Jose and I were happy to have known Uncle Wes. Our hearts are with all of you whose lives he touched. We will be thining about you.
On behalf of the members of the DAV Chapter 10, we wish to send our condolences to Wes’ family. Wes was a past Chapter 10 Commander,the DAV has lost a great advocate and may he rest in peace.
miss you uncle
My thoughts and prayers for your family and you.