Joseph Edward Hazel passed away peacefully at Mount Nittany Medical Center on April 04, 2015. He was born on July 27, 1929 in Bellefonte, PA. Joe was the son of Joseph and Alice Hazel and the brother of Michael Hazel, all of whom preceded him in death.
He was a native of Bellefonte and married Patricia Rumberger on July 31, 1953. His education included Bellefonte High School, Penn State, and Williamsport Area Community College. He began his career as a manufacturer’s representative in the HVAC field prior to going into business with his father as a plumber. As a forward thinker, he successfully led the business, Joseph C. Hazel, Inc., which has now been operating since 1927.
Dedicated to his community, he was a former president of the Nittany Country Club Board of Directors, Bellefonte Chamber of Commerce, and Bellefonte Lions Club and was a life member of the Bellefonte Elks Club and Men’s Coffee Club. Additionally, he was a founding member of the Sterling Run Hunt Club, Inc. and volunteered for a variety of organizations. He had a strong Catholic faith, as well, and was involved with St. John’s Catholic Church.
His passions included golfing, boating, traveling, flying, gardening, fishing, and hunting. He was an avid reader and gourmet cook and he loved spending time with his friends. Joe was humble and always had a kind word and a smile for others. After retirement, he and Pat made Fort Myers Beach, FL their second home.
Joe’s greatest pride was his family and many fond memories were made. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Joe is survived by his wife, Pat, son and daughter-in-law Doug and Cindy, daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Jim Bedison, and daughter Marianne, along with 9 grandchildren and 7 great- grandchildren. His grandson, Matt, preceded him in death.
His graveside service is private. People who wish to pay their respects to Joe’s family, may do so at the Nittany Country Club, 110 Country Club Lane, Mingoville, PA on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Matthew Joseph Hazel Memorial Scholarship, Bellefonte Education Foundation, PO Box 97, Bellefonte, PA 16823 or Centre County Library, 203 N Allegheny ST, Bellefonte, PA 16823.