Jay Curtis Hammerness, of Wellesley, MA passed away January 4, 2016 at the age of 80.
Jay Curtis Hammerness’ life was rooted in a deep interest in and sincere care for those around him. He was a storyteller, and Jay’s family often chuckled about his love of talking to people well beyond family and friends.
Jay grew up in a military family. His father, Oscar Hammerness, served in World War II and was the director of the Sugamo Prison during the American occupation of Japan. Jay’s mother, Agnes Hammerness, was a teacher, basketball coach, and textbook author. Jay spent his childhood living on military bases all over the country—often explaining that there were only a few states in which he had not spent some time in his life. He lived in Japan during his senior year of high school.
Jay was a beloved husband to Sarah “Sally” Graves Hammerness, in a loving partnership that lasted 57 years, after meeting during college. He was a devoted father to Karen Hammerness and Paul Hammerness, father-in-law to Thomas Hatch and K. Meredith Atkins. He was a doting grandfather to Hannah, Clara, and Sarah “Stella” Hatch, and Elliot and Kate Hammerness. Jay’s abiding love centered on his wife Sally, his children and grandchildren, of whom he was extremely proud and deeply interested. He babysat for the grandchildren when they were young, and later could be counted on to attend any performance, sports event or school open house, at any time.
Jay earned undergraduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering, and Business Administration at M.I.T. where he was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity—a source of lifetime friendships, yearly meetings and dinners, and longtime support. Jay’s professional life began at M.I.T. where he served as an Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, then included many years as a small business owner of an office vending company. In his later career Jay was involved in commercial real estate and served as CFO of a local manufacturing company. At the same time, Jay became increasingly involved and committed to his community—serving on a range of town (Wetlands Protection) and Village Church committees (e.g. finance; nominating; personnel).
A lifelong learner, Jay enjoyed auditing courses at Wellesley College, the last being a neuroscience course this fall, and especially enjoyed sharing his newfound knowledge with his family. He loved the arts; attending symphonies, ballets, and art exhibitions with his family and friends. Jay was especially proud of his Norwegian heritage and in 2010, along with Sally and Karen, he located his cousins in the village of Røn, Norway. Together they shared a wonderful meal on the family farm where his grandfather had been born.
Soon after spending Christmas with his family, Jay passed away, after a sudden illness. He was loved, he is loved and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community. A memorial service for Jay will be held January 19, 2016, at 11.00 am in the Wellesley Village Church, with a reception to follow. Donations to the American Scandinavian Foundation (www.amscan.org) or the Wellesley Congregational Church (www.wellesleyvillagechurch.org) can be made in lieu of flowers.

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