Obituary for Joseph A. Hammer
Joseph A. Hammer, 83, of Louisville, KY passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. He was born January 7, 1939 in Louisville to the late Joseph and Elizabeth Hammer. A retired attorney, he graduated from Flaget High School (’57), Bellarmine College (’62) and the University of Louisville Law School (’71).
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Doris Hite and Rita Folsom.
Hammer is survived by his beloved wife, Mari Sweeney Hammer; two children, Adam Hammer (Wendy) and Kate Qazi (Fauzan); three grandchildren, Rayyan, Bilal and Nusaiba Qazi; and three sisters, Jo Ann Testa, Betty Testa and Mary Fusting.
An avid supporter of the arts, Hammer fed his love of music, poetry and theater throughout his life. He edited the student paper in high school, sparred on the debate team at college, penned the AKOH column in Bellarmine’s student newspaper, The Concord, and participated in college stage performances. There he first met his bride, and together they were active in the Arts Club of Louisville. He continued his lifelong interests by directing local community productions and supporting youth programs in drama and the arts. Over the years he created an extensive music collection, and enjoyed sharing his favorite songs with others.
Springtime often saw Hammer at the racetrack, reading through racing forms and looking for a hot tip. He traveled with Mari regularly to parts of the US and Europe, and although he enjoyed seeing the art and culture, his favorite memories were of times spent with people, telling stories and sharing common interests.
Generous with his time and soft-hearted, Hammer was ever-ready to help someone in need, use his considerable talents to benefit others, and perhaps engage in light mischief when warranted. He was the best side-kick ever, and if you needed a friend, confidante, supporter, advisor or accomplice, you could do no better.
Visitation will be at Highlands Funeral Home on Thursday, June 23 from 3 - 8pm. A memorial service will take place at Highlands Funeral Home on Friday, June 24 at 11am, with burial afterwards at Calvary Cemetery in Louisville.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Doris Hite and Rita Folsom.
Hammer is survived by his beloved wife, Mari Sweeney Hammer; two children, Adam Hammer (Wendy) and Kate Qazi (Fauzan); three grandchildren, Rayyan, Bilal and Nusaiba Qazi; and three sisters, Jo Ann Testa, Betty Testa and Mary Fusting.
An avid supporter of the arts, Hammer fed his love of music, poetry and theater throughout his life. He edited the student paper in high school, sparred on the debate team at college, penned the AKOH column in Bellarmine’s student newspaper, The Concord, and participated in college stage performances. There he first met his bride, and together they were active in the Arts Club of Louisville. He continued his lifelong interests by directing local community productions and supporting youth programs in drama and the arts. Over the years he created an extensive music collection, and enjoyed sharing his favorite songs with others.
Springtime often saw Hammer at the racetrack, reading through racing forms and looking for a hot tip. He traveled with Mari regularly to parts of the US and Europe, and although he enjoyed seeing the art and culture, his favorite memories were of times spent with people, telling stories and sharing common interests.
Generous with his time and soft-hearted, Hammer was ever-ready to help someone in need, use his considerable talents to benefit others, and perhaps engage in light mischief when warranted. He was the best side-kick ever, and if you needed a friend, confidante, supporter, advisor or accomplice, you could do no better.
Visitation will be at Highlands Funeral Home on Thursday, June 23 from 3 - 8pm. A memorial service will take place at Highlands Funeral Home on Friday, June 24 at 11am, with burial afterwards at Calvary Cemetery in Louisville.