CLARKSTON, MI – Jack Hazen of Clarkston, MI, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 10th, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Malone, NY, on January 29, 1943, son of Harold D. and Mildred (Frary) Hazen. He grew up in North Lawrence, NY, started his career in Massena, NY, and later moved his family to Troy, MI, in 1972 for a promotion to General Motors Corporate Headquarters.
At retirement, he and Patty chose Stuart, FL, as a part-time home. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Patricia “Patty” (Clement), sons Brett (the late Joan Petrella) (Lakewood, OH), Brian (Christina Volis) (Rochester Hills, MI), and Christopher (Auburn Hills, MI), beloved grandchildren Emily Hazen, Katherine Hazen, Alexis Hazen, Taylor Lintz, and Alec Lintz; brothers Philip (Kathy Adams), and David (Louise); sisters Jane (Warren) Dyke, Ruth (Dale) Sargeant, Gina Hazen, and sister-in-law Nancy (Bill) Ansteth. He was a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Jack graduated from St. Lawrence Central HS in Brasher Falls, NY, in 1960, Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting & finance, and later with a master’s degree in industrial management. In 1964, he began his 42-year career with General Motors at the Chevrolet plant in Massena, NY, and proceeded to hold many positions within GM’s finance department throughout most of its various divisions in Michigan and as CFO for Allison Transmission (1988-89) in Indianapolis, retiring in 2005 as Executive Director of Product Development, North American Operations. At the GM Board’s request, he returned to his former position at Allison Transmission to oversee the sale of the company to private investors as an encore.
Jack’s passion for automobiles started early and led to a lifelong pursuit of search, collection, restoration, and enjoyment of classic cars, including a 1935 Ford precisely like his mother’s first car. He attended many car shows and was always ready to share stories with fellow enthusiasts. Community service was an important part of Jack’s life.
He served in the US Army Reserve and later on several Boards. Jack was an initial team member establishing Junior Achievement in Massena, NY, and later the GM Student Corps in the Detroit Area. He also enjoyed working with students at Cornerstone school in Detroit. He served as a Lector at St. Daniel’s Catholic Church in Clarkston, MI, and St. Joseph Parish in Stuart, FL. The sports world was no stranger to Jack. He played high school baseball and basketball and was a loyal NY Yankees fan. Jack enjoyed skiing (US, Canada, Europe), tennis, biking, hiking, and golf, especially with his “Stress-Free Golf League,” fishing with “the fish group,” and, most recently, paddleboarding and pickleball (several days a week).
Jack’s most enjoyable memories were those spent with family and friends. He and Patty enjoyed worldwide travel and time spent at the Sand Point, MI cottage with their family and special friends made there. A humble, dedicated family man, worker, and loyal friend, Jack will be missed by many. His favorite charities were Drew’s Home of Clarkston, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and St. Jude’s Children Hospital. Friends may visit Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston, on Sunday, March 19, from 5-8 pm. Funeral Mass Monday, March 20th at 11 am at St. Daniel Catholic Church, Clarkston, with visiting directly at the church at 10:30 am.
