Charles Hamilton, 59, Was Photographer, Volunteer

Charles Lee Hamilton of Morristown, N.J., died April 11. He was 59 years old.

Mr. Hamilton was the son of the late Alexander Hamilton and Carol Collins Hamilton of Morristown, N.J., and the nephew of the late Nancy Hamilton of New York and Vineyard Haven.

During his early career, he was employed as a photographer and darkroom specialist. As a young man he spent summers with his family on the Vineyard and later, in the 1960s, worked as a lifeguard. At that time he began a career in photography. His shots of the Island were printed in the Vineyard Gazette and were shown at a gallery run on the Island by the late Queenie Bagnall.

In addition to his photography, Mr. Hamilton also worked for New Jersey Occupational Center and as a courier and taxicab driver in Morris County. He served on the Morristown environmental committee during the mid-1970s and was a longtime member of the Morris County Democratic Party. He generously volunteered his time supporting local charities, including Meals on Wheels, the Morris County homeless shelter and Habitat for Humanity. Mr. Hamilton worked on more than 30 houses with Habitat for Humanity in New Jersey, California, Mississippi and Georgia, as well as on international projects in Mexico, South Korea, the Philippines and South Africa. In November, he spent time working on Habitat's Twin Oaks property in Oak Bluffs.

Mr. Hamilton is survived by a twin brother, James L. Hamilton; a niece, Allison of Cranford, N.J., and two sisters, Martha C. of Cambridge and Sally M. Hamilton of West Tisbury.

A memorial service will be held in early May at the First Presbyterian Church of New Vernon, N.J., where he served as a deacon and elder.

A fund in his name on behalf of Habitat for Humanity has been established at the First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 218, New Vernon, N.J. 07976.

Melvin F. Cleveland, 86, Served in U.S. Coast Guard Melvin Francis Cleveland died April 17 at the Kathleen Daniel Health Care in Framingham. He was 86.

Mel was born in Vineyard Haven Sept. 20, 1919, the son of Lydia and Llewellyn Cleveland. He grew up in town and was graduated from Tisbury High School and later the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. He enjoyed sailing, fishing and hunting.

Mel was predeceased by his son, Melvin F. Cleveland Jr. of Oak Bluffs, and three sisters, Elizabeth O'Hearn, Lena Sears and Ruth Haddock. He is survived by his daughters, Jean Grebe of Southborough, Marjorie Sudmyer of Framingham and Nancy Downey of New York; his daughter in law, Yvonne Cleveland of Belmont; his sisters, Rita Cleveland of New Bedford and Marjorie Taylor of Vineyard Haven; his brother, Harold Cleveland of New Hampshire, and several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private graveside service will be held May 6 with the Rev. Roger Spinney officiating.

Arrangements are under the care of Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.