IN MEMORIAM: Robert A. Hazelton, 83

RICHFIELD SPRINGS – With his wife and four children embracing him, Robert “Bob” James Hazelton felt tremendous love, guiding him to peace on Saturday, April 3, 2021.

Born on Hotel Street in Richfield Springs, Bob’s journey began April 10, 1938. Romans and Psalms provided that needed assurance to take his last steps from the home he built for his family beside the Ocquionis Creek on River Street.

An extremely self-motivated and conscientious individual, Bob developed a love for his community at a young age and volunteered to help promote awareness about its historical significance in his later years. He served as vice president of the Richfield Springs Historical Association & Museum.

He graduated from RSCS (1956), and attended Mohawk Valley Technical Institute, earning a degree in Retail Business Management (1958). He served in the Army National Guard before entering the Air Force (1959-1967). Staff Sgt. Hazelton returned to his hometown to raise his family in the place that he treasured. He was a member of The American Legion Post #616 in Richfield for over 50 years.

Bob was an electronics enthusiast who sold metal detectors from his home business, Hazetronics. As a passionate ham radio operator, he retained his Extra Class Amateur Radio license for decades (NS2L Silent Key).

He was an electronics technician at Mohawk Data Sciences Corporation (1968-1985) and retired as a Supervisor from PAR Technology Corp. in 2000. After his professional career, Bob studied drawing and became well known locally for his fine pencil drawings depicting local historical buildings, barns and trees. He prided himself in having his artwork featured on greeting cards that were sent to family and friends.

Faithful and generous to his family, friends and community, it was common for Bob to provide guidance and support, whether to an adolescent or an elder. He always found ways to make this world a better place; and with intelligence and humor, Bob was never short of entertaining. His lifelong contributions – both personally and professionally – have created a legacy for future generations.

Bob was predeceased by his parents and brothers Albert (USMC, KIA Korean War), Howard (USAF), Charles (USN) and sisters Helen (USAF) and Rosalie.

During his 82-year sojourn, he cherished his family, and leaves wife Frances (Butler); favorite son Brian and wife Helen of Queen Creek, Ariz.; daughters Brenda Lavieri and husband Dr. Ed of Tullahoma, Tenn.; Lisa Hazelton-Grantham and husband Mike of Hardinsburg, Ky.; and Pamela Hazelton and husband Joe Monks of Cape Coral, Fla.. Bob will also be sadly missed by granddaughter Dené Stephenson of Clovis, N.M. and grandson Seth Stephenson of Winterset, Iowa; grandson Josh Burton and wife Noel along with great grandchildren, Colt and Marissa of Normandy, Tenn.

Bob’s deep friendships with Bob Moshier, Clark Clapper, and Bill Juteau will remain in the family’s hearts. The family thanks Helios Care, especially Ellen, and Donna Sims for their longtime nurturing care of our loved one.

Celebration of Bob’s life will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 15, at the Richfield Springs Vets Club. Memorial service to follow at 2 PM, Fly Creek Valley Cemetery.

In memory of Bob, please consider a donation to the Richfield Springs Historical Association, PO Box 334, Richfield Springs, NY 13439.

Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.