Max Hamilton Wachob
Max Hamilton Wachob, of Hambden Township, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2026.
Known affectionately by his family as “Hammie,” Max was a devoted husband, cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He lived a long and adventurous life marked by integrity, courage, humor and deep love for his family.
Max was born on April 28, 1937, in Bells Mills, Pa., to Charles and Mary (nee Parr) Wachob. In 1941, the family moved to Punxsutawney, Pa., where Max was raised as the ninth of 10 children.
He was preceded in death by his siblings Betty, Fred, Sue, Ed, Harry, Kearney and Shirley, and is joyfully reunited with them.
He is survived by his siblings Sally and Paul (Peggy).
After graduating from high school in Punxsutawney, Max proudly enlisted in the United States Navy in June of 1956. He served four years of active duty and received specialized training in San Diego, Calif., as an Interior Communications Electrician (IC). In this role, he worked extensively with electrical, electronic and communications systems, including gyros, compasses and projectors aboard submarines.
Max was assigned to the USS Orion (AS-18), a Fulton-class submarine tender, and during his service traveled to ports including St. Thomas, San Juan and Roosevelt Roads. He was honorably discharged in 1960.
Following his military service, Max settled in Chardon, Ohio, where he began a 36-year career with the Chardon Telephone Company. Additionally, he proudly served his community as a police officer for 25 years with the Chardon Police Department, retiring as Sergeant of the Specials in 1987. Finally, Max proudly achieved a 60-year tenure as a Mason of the Burton F. & A. M. Lodge #274 and the F.O.P Lodge #16.
In April of 1963, Max met the love of his life, Sandra “Sandy” Zamer. They were married and shared 62 devoted years together, building a close-knit and loving family.
Max is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy; his sons, Eric (Jennifer) and Brian (Amy); grandchildren, Mallory Dolan (Brett), Dillon (Liza), Jax (Kayla) and Mackenzie; and great-grandchildren, Avery, Emery and Henry, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.
Max truly embraced life and found joy in each day. He was always willing to lend a hand, share his time or put his talents to use for others. He was known for cooking for a crowd—especially his clam bake—his love of camping and travel, reading and watching classic westerns, particularly Gunsmoke. Annual family reunions in Punxsutawney were among his most treasured traditions.
Above all, Max will be remembered as a family-first man, a lover of beer, generous with extra dashes of pepper on every meal and a lovable prankster who delighted in making others laugh.
The family takes comfort in knowing that Max is now at peace, reunited with loved ones, likely playing cards, sharing stories and enjoying a cold beer as he reminisces on a life well lived.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a service to follow at Burr Funeral Home. Guests are invited to wear their favorite flannel shirt or Armed Forces attire in Max’s honor. There will be a burial immediately to follow at Hambden Township Cemetery, 9891 Old State Road, Hambden.
Arrangements are entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.
