Mohamed P. Hamdani

It is with deep sorrow that we announce that Dr. Mohamed P. “Hami” Hamdani, 73, passed away on June 21, 2024 while undergoing an evaluation for a lung transplant at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, IL. As he has lived his entire life, Hami battled through these last few months with grace, faith, and dignity. There are no words to express the immense sense of loss, however we are comforted with knowing he is resting in eternal peace.
Born in Oujda, Morocco, on August 13th, 1950, he was the son of the late Benyounes and Zohra (Benyelles) Hamdani. He emigrated to the US in 1978 and has lived in Wilbraham since 1998.
Hami graduated from the University of Algiers in 1976 with his medical degree. From 1976-78, he served as a physician in the Algerian military. After coming to the US in 1978, he attended Boston University to complete the requirements for foreign medical graduates until 1980. From 1980-86, Hami completed his general surgery residency at Baystate Medical Center. He then went on to complete a fellowship in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at Winthrop University Hospital from 1986-88. In 1989, he assumed the surgical practice of his dear friend and mentor Agostino Natale M.D. Hami continued to serve as one of the top physicians in Western Massachusetts until retiring in 2020 due to illness.
Hami was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He derived genuine pleasure by making those around him happy and he did that on a daily basis. Hami's smile had the power to touch every life he encountered, spreading joy, kindness, and happiness to all. His kindness and love have been etched into the hearts of many.
Professionally, he was an exceptional surgeon, whose surgical skills were matched only by his devotion to the care of his patients. His skillful hands and compassionate heart brought health and healing to thousands of people over his esteemed career as an extraordinary physician. He was selfless, providing care to anyone needing a healing hand, a warm touch, or a loving smile.
He was devoted to the Sisters of Providence Health System and the community he served for nearly 40 years. He served as President of the Medical Staff, Chief of Surgery, and numerous other administrative roles reflective of his exemplary leadership. He was bestowed several awards including the Omar T. Pace M.D. Award, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The award is given to recipients who have made a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families throughout Western Massachusetts. A cancer survivor himself, Hami was tireless in his efforts to advance cancer care, having served and supported ACS, as well as serving as a member of the planning committee for the Relay For Life of Wilbraham, serving as the mission chair and a team captain. His relentless efforts and personal contributions also resulted in the philanthropic support needed to open the Sister Mary Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center.
Hami had an insatiable zest for life. He was a world traveler whose adventurous spirit began as a young boy growing up in Morocco and Algeria. He spoke multiple languages, and treasured meeting people from around the globe, making an instant connection, finding common ground in simple humanity.
Hami was a culinary master, an artist in the kitchen, who found no satisfaction in the delights he created, but rather in the pleasure his creations brought to his guests. He often told people his cookbook library was bigger than his medical library.
He was an avid sports fan, knowing every international soccer player, whom you can hear him yelling at early Sunday mornings as he would watch them playing across the world. He found joy in watching the Boston Celtics, whose recent world championship, was in some small way, in honor of their devoted fan.
Hami always held a childlike spirit and in 1992, he became a member of Disney Vacation Club. Most importantly to him, he was able to share this with his family. This was the start to many magical adventures he would enjoy with those closest to him including the Glidden family – David, Michelle, Rosemarie, and Elizabeth. When together, these families became one. Hami’s passion for the Disney vacation experience led to a tradition that his family and friends will enjoy for generations to come. The Hamdani’s and the Glidden’s (The Griswold’s) would also share many trips to Martha’s Vineyard in the summertime.
Clear waters and sandy beaches also brought Hami joy and he loved the time he spent with friends and family in the Bahamas, specifically sipping cool sky juice at Gone Fishin’ with Haymish and Brother Dayton. He also lived his life in the spirit of Jimmy Buffett....relishing every moment, finding joy and happiness in every experience. Life was an adventure and he lived life to the fullest each and every day. “Some of it’s magic and some of it’s tragic but I had a good life all the way.” Bubbles up!
What brought Hami his greatest joy was the love he had for his family and friends. He glowed when speaking of his children and their accomplishments. Their time together were treasures of joy, and nothing was more important to him than just being together. His numerous trips with the Glidden’s, the annual trip with his “F-4 Brother’s” including Scott Wolf, Steve Brown, Joe Cappa, Neil Welles, and John Natale, and just simply being with his family, Hami was in his glory. But no glory was greater than that of his devoted wife Kim. A true-life partner, her unwavering, selfless love was a constant in Hami’s life to his final breath.
He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife Kimberly (Engle) Hamdani of nearly 28 years, four children, Omar (Leah) Hamdani and Adam (May) Hamdani from Hami’s first marriage, Nadia Hamdani and Zachary Hamdani, brother Djelloul Hamdani, sister Zakia Hamdani, his four cherished grandchildren; Zora, Amara, George, and Elijah, his mother in law, Marilyn Engle, and brother in law Richard Engle II. He will also be dearly missed by numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives in Morocco, Algeria, and other places around the world. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Zahia Hamdani of Morocco.
Let us honor Hami's memory by carrying forward the torch of his warmth and compassion. May we extend his smile, kindness, and love to everyone we meet, ensuring that his legacy of goodness continues to shine brightly.
Rest in peace, Hami, with the comfort knowing that you have touched so many who will spread your love of life and for one another, forever. May we toast you often, with your signature Grey Goose Martini, bone dry with a twist! May your smile forever be a guiding light for us all.

Life is Good, What Would Hami Do?!
Peace and Godspeed

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4-7PM at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham. Mohamed’s Funeral Service will be private. Burial will follow in Adams Cemetery, Wilbraham.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 280 East Street, Suite 500, Chicago Illinois 60611.


For a recording of the Islamic Funeral Prayer Service, please click the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxTzCo9fhu8
For a recording of the full Funeral Services, please click the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2Ks3Cjc4vY