David W. Hammarstrom

(1917-2009) - David W. Hammarstrom, 92, of Springfield died Sunday morning November 1, 2009 surrounded by his family at home.

David, a son of the late Elias K. and Beda (Carlson) Hammarstrom was born in Springfield on July 16, 1917. Raised in Springfield, David graduated from Monson Academy. David was employed as a firefighter for 37 years with the Springfield Fire Department and retired as Deputy Chief in 1979. He was appointed to the department on September 7, 1942 and assigned to Emergency Squad B. David was promoted to Lieutenant on June 9, 1947, to Captain on April 30, 1951 and in 1967 he was promoted to District Chief. He served his country during WWII with the United States Navy.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by two brothers, Nils and Olaf Hammarstrom and his sister, Greta Hammarstrom. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor (Jacques) Hammarstrom; a daughter, Joyce E. Wilson and her husband Eric of Springfield; a son, David W. Hammarstrom, Jr. and his wife Lillian of South Carolina, two granddaughters, Christine Lupo and Lisa Arpino; three grandsons, Erik Hammarstrom, David Wilson, and Michael Kneeland; five great granddaughters, Casey, Nicole, Lauren, Serena, and Alexandra; a great grandson, Daniel.

A private funeral service with Military Honors for David was held in the Chapel of the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam. There were no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in David’s memory may be made to Mercy Hospice, 1236 Main Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. Sampson Family Chapels was entrusted with the arrangements.