Obituary of Florence Jean Hamm

Florence Jean Hamm lived 100 beautiful years filled with love, devotion, and countless cherished memories. She passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026.

Florence was born on July 8, 1925, to Gustav and Caroline Goetzl in Union City, New Jersey. She was raised in Lyndhurst alongside her brothers, Robert and Edwin, and graduated from St. Mary's High School in Rutherford with the Class of 1943.

Following graduation, Florence embarked on a successful career, holding positions with Equitable Life Association and Fiduciary Trust on Wall Street. While she took pride in her work, her greatest accomplishment and deepest joy came from being a mother. She was blessed with a daughter whom she loved unconditionally, and her happiness only grew as grandchildren entered her life.

Florence was also dedicated to her community. She was a proud member of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary and a faithful, longtime parishioner of St. Mary's Church in Denville. Her faith and commitment to helping others were guiding forces throughout her life.

Simple pleasures brought Florence great happiness. She loved spending time outdoors, basking in the warmth of a beautiful sunny day. She also possessed a legendary sweet tooth and rarely passed up the opportunity to enjoy one of her favorite treats—a vanilla ice cream cone dipped in a chocolate shell, a daily indulgence that became one of her signature joys.

Those who knew Florence will remember her gentle spirit, warm heart, and steadfast devotion to her family. She is now survived by her daughter, Patricia O’Neill (Stephen), her grandchildren, Colleen McManus, Bridgett Dorney (Sean), her step-grandson, Michael O’Neill, her great grandchildren, Emmalyn McManus, Aidan Dorney, Tyler Dorney, and her nephew, Robert Goetzl. She is now reunited in paradise with her beloved husband, John Hamm, her brothers, Robert & Edwin Goetzl, and her parents, Gustav and Caroline Goetzl (Zink).

If you would like to contribute to Florence’s Memory in your own way, please consider making a charitable contribution to the American Heart Association. Memorial Donations can be made via this link.

A public visitation for Florence will be held at 9 AM on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at St. Mary’s Church in Denville, with a Funeral Mass to immediately follow. A graveside service will be held privately after mass. Please use this page to leave a condolence, share a memory, or light a candle to continue to let Florence’s light shine!