Lt. William J Hamilton

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that donations be made in memory of Lieutenant William “Billy” Hamilton to one of two causes that were close to his heart.

First, we plan to create an engineering scholarship in Billy’s name at his alma mater, Syracuse University.  Donations can be made online at givetosu.syr.edu.  From this link, please choose the “General Scholarship Fund,” select “My Gift Is A Tribute,” and enter Billy’s name.  

Second, in honor of Billy’s passion for and love of animals, donations may be made to support the Wildlife Center at the The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for Monterey County.  Donations may be made online at spcamc.org. From this link, please select, “Make A Donation” and then the “In Tribute” option.  Please enter Billy’s name as the honoree.

Both organizations also accept donations by mail and phone, and will notify Billy’s family of donations made in his honor.

It is with greatest sadness that the family of Lieutenant William “Billy” James Hamilton announces his passing on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the age of 28.

Billy will be forever remembered by his wife and best friend Erika, stepson Tanner, parents Laura Vinci and James Hamilton, siblings Amanda, Clare, and Ethan, grandparents William and Dorothy Lewis, stepfather Jeff Vinci, and brother-in-law Matt.  Billy will also be forever remembered by his aunts, uncles, cousins, numerous family members, and countless friends, shipmates/colleagues and classmates.

Billy was born on February 23, 1990 at the Okinawa Naval Base in Japan.  As both of his parents served in the United States Air Force, he moved many times as a child, and grew up in places such as New York, Texas, New Mexico, and his birthplace of Japan.  Billy attended W. Tresper Clarke Middle School and Hicksville High School before graduating from Sachem High School North in 2008.  He was a champion wrestler, and was a member of the wrestling team at all of these schools.  Billy attended the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University, where he graduated with honors in the class of 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.  Billy was also a very proud member of his fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega.

Billy commissioned in the United States Navy as an Ensign in 2012 and reported to Officer Training Command in Newport, RI for his initial officer training.  Upon completion of initial officer training, he reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in Charleston, SC to train in Nuclear Power theory.  He then reported to Naval Submarine School in Groton, CT to train as a Submarine Officer.  Upon completion of Submarine School, Billy attended Nuclear Power Training Command in Ballston Spa, NY to train on and operate nuclear reactors.  His first sea duty assignment was the USS GEORGIA, a guided missile submarine homeported in Kings Bay, GA. USS GEORGIA’s mission is to provide the Navy with strike and special operations capability around the world. Onboard, Billy held critical positions including Officer of the Deck, Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor, Ship’s Duty Officer, and Engineering Duty Officer.  After a very successful tour on the USS GEORGIA, he reported as a student in the Undersea Warfare curriculum at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

LT Hamilton’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and a number of unit and campaign awards. He is also qualified as a Naval Submarine Warfare Officer.

In addition to his numerous accomplishments, Billy was known to all as the ultimate extrovert, and made an indelible impression on all who met him.  He was passionate about his wife and family, animals (especially reptiles), physical fitness, education and countless other hobbies.  He undertook every endeavor with relentless determination, and created a sense of camaraderie in any situation.

A celebration of Billy’s life will be held promptly at 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 18 at the Thomas Dalton Funeral Home.  Those who wish to share brief remarks in honor of Billy may contact his sister, Amanda Hamilton Jacobson, at amanda.jacobson4@gmail.com.