William J. 'Bill' Hamilton

William J. “Bill” Hamilton age 76 of Massillon, passed away unexpectedly Monday at his residence. Bill was born on October 15, 1930 in Massillon to the late Melvin R. and Anne E. (Kutz) Hamilton. He was a 1948 Washington High School graduate and a United States Navy Veteran serving in the Korean Conflict. Bill received a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Heidelberg College and a Master of Music Education Degree from Kent State University. He began teaching music at Middlebranch High School in 1956 and opened the music department at Glenwood High School in Plain Township in 1957. While at Glenwood, he was the choral director and drama coach for 13 years. Bill began his career at Kent State University Stark Campus as Associate Professor of Music in the fall of 1969 and retired in 1991 following 32 years of faithful service. In 1969, he became the choral conductor and artistic director of the Canton Civic Opera and held that position until retirement in 1991. Bill instituted the annual Christmas Madrigal Feaste at the Canton Civic Opera. In 1992 he founded the Greater Canton Men’s Chorus and retired in 2006. He also served as the conductor of the chorus of the New Philadelphia Philharmonic. Bill was Professor Emeritus at Kent State University and Conductor Emeritus for the Greater Canton Mens Chorus. Under his direction his choirs have toured Europe, the British Isles and Canada numerous times and performed at the Washington Cathedral, The Kennedy Performing Arts Center in Washington D.C. as well as most states east of the Mississippi River. During a six month sabbatical, he studied the Welsh Male Choir Movement in Wales and sang in 10 male choirs. Bill has been a respected conductor, educator and choral adjudicator for state and international competitions as well as director of various area church choirs. He has been an active member and past president of the American Choral Directors Association, Ohio Music Educators Association, Stark County Retired Teachers Association and Retired Executive and Professional Mens Club, member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Canton, and a 32nd Degree Mason with Lathrop Lodge F. & A. M. in Canton. Bill also worked part time for the Stark County Board of Elections in Canton. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by a stepson, Timothy Davidson. Bill is survived by his wife of 21 years, Nancy R. (Wolgamott) Hamilton; daughter and son-in-law, Christine and Patrick Rogan of Richmond, IN; son, William D. Hamilton of Green Twp.; step daughters, Wendy Davidson and Valerie (Aaron) Dumitrescu; sisters and brother-in-law, Margaret Ann and Bill Newton of Tuscon, AZ, and Melva Hofmann of Massillon; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Mary Willmot of Peru, IL, Arvine and Joyce Hamilton of Massillon and Rev. Dr. Thomas and Jane Hamilton of Newton, NC; grandsons, Samuel and Joshua Rogan, Christopher and Ryan Davidson, Emmanuel Davidson, Dawson Dumitrescu and granddaughter Bayley Dumitrescu. Funeral services celebrating Bill’s life will be held, Saturday at 11:00 AM at Trinity United Church of Christ in Canton with Rev. Steven Gifford officiating. Calling hours will be 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Arnold – Lynch Funeral Home in Massillon and one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Bill’s lodge will provide Masonic services at 4:30 PM on Friday. Interment will follow the services at Sunset Hills Burial Park in Canton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the: William J. Hamilton Vocal Music Fund for Glen Oak High School in C/O Arnold – Lynch Funeral Home ,1100 Wales Road NE, Massillon, Ohio 44646. Arnold – Lynch A Golden Rule Funeral Home 330 – 833 – 4839 www.arnoldlynch.com