Richard M. “Dick” Hamlin ’49, an Emeriti Member of John Carroll’s Board of Directors and longtime supporter of the University, passed away on February 23, 2021 at the age of 93.
Born on April 23, 1927, Hamlin grew up in Akron, Ohio. He attended Campion Jesuit Preparatory School in Wisconsin, where his devotion and appreciation for the Jesuits began, and then served two years in the United States Navy before coming to John Carroll.
Hamlin received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the Boler College of Business in 1949. He was appointed as a member of the John Carroll University Board of Trustees in 1988 and served on the Board’s Finance, Advancement, Governance and Nominating Committees. He was also the chair of his Reunion Class Gift Committee.
Visitors to John Carroll’s campus know the Hamlin name thanks to the family’s generous gifts to dedicate Hamlin Hall and establish the Richard M. & Yvonne F. Hamlin Quadrangle. Hamlin was awarded the John Carroll Alumni Medal in 2008 for his “extraordinary dedication, benevolence and service to the University and to his communities.”
“Our entire community mourns the loss of Dick Hamlin, a lifelong supporter of John Carroll University and our Jesuit Catholic mission,” said Michael D. Johnson, Ph.D., president of John Carroll University. “Dick epitomized the service and leadership qualities that John Carroll graduates strive to achieve. His devotion to the Board of Directors and the generosity of his family helped to fuel the growth and beautification of our campus across many decades.”
An astute businessman, Mr. Hamlin enjoyed a successful career in residential, commercial and industrial development and a subsequent career specializing in the acquisition, revitalization and expansion of manufacturing companies. Hamlin was president and owner of The Richard M. Hamlin Construction Company, purchased the Hamlin Metal Products Company, and co-founded The Brenlin Group.
On campus, he may be best known for Hamlin Hall, the first campus residence hall across Belvoir Boulevard named in his honor in 1997, and Hamlin Quadrangle, located between the Administration Building and the Dolan Science Center. Hamlin Quad was built as an additional space for students on campus to enjoy playing sports and hold University events. In 2019, the University's Commencement Exercises were relocated to the Hamlin Quad.
“Dick was always a joy to be with,” said Fr. Robert L Niehoff, S.J., president emeritus of John Carroll University. “He would talk with admiration and appreciation about the great Jesuits who taught him so much both at Campion High School and John Carroll. I am grateful to have met him and today I still hear his laugh. Dick knows that God was good to him. John Carroll is proud to have such a loyal friend so committed to our Catholic Jesuit mission.”
Outside of his contributions to John Carroll, Hamlin may be recognized by many for his generosity to the healthcare community in Northeast Ohio. In 2013, Hamlin and his wife, Yvonne, donated $4 million to Summa Health in Akron to help construct a hybrid cardiovascular operating room at Summa Akron City Hospital. The Summa Health Richard M. and Yvonne Hamlin Pavilion was named after the Hamlins for their contributions.
He is survived by his wife, Yvonne, four children, and 11 grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements will be shared in the coming days.