Senate Resolution No. 2686

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of Richard T. Hazzard, loving
husband, father and grandfather, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Richard T. Hazzard was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Richard T. Hazzard, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Richard T. Hazzard of Patterson, New York, died on March
18, 2022 in Savannah, Georgia, at the age of 78; and

WHEREAS, Born on September 27, 1943 in Mount Kisco, New York,
Richard T. Hazzard was the son of the late Herbert "Hap" and Marjorie
(Wilkinson) Hazzard; and

WHEREAS, Growing up in Brewster, New York, Richard T. Hazzard
graduated from Brewster High School in 1961; he went on to attend
Simmons School of Mortuary Science in Syracuse, New York, before
becoming a Licensed Funeral Director; and

WHEREAS, Richard T. Hazzard spent the majority of his career working
at the Beecher Funeral Home in Brewster, a business he purchased in
1977, along with the Dwyer Funeral Home in Patterson; and

WHEREAS, On May 1, 1965, Richard T. Hazzard and the former Donna Mae
McLagan were united in marriage at the United Methodist Church in
Brewster; from humble beginnings, the couple raised four boys and
committed themselves to their family, community, and funeral service;
and

WHEREAS, Richard T. Hazzard, a sincere, caring and compassionate
man, always put the needs of others ahead of himself; he never met a
stranger and always greeted people with a smile and a handshake; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Richard T. Hazzard was an active member of countless local
organizations, including the NYS Funeral Directors Association, Brewster
Lion's Club, Brewster Volunteer Fire Department, Putnam Hospital Center,
Putnam County Cooperative Extension, Patterson Volunteer Fire
Department, BPO Elks Lodge No. 2101, Patterson Lion's Club, the
Brewster, Patterson, North Salem Chamber of Commerce and the Patterson
Library Association; and

WHEREAS, A man of indomitable faith and dedication, Richard T.
Hazzard was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in
Brewster, and a member and committee participant of the Holmes United
Methodist Church; he was also a past President and current Board member

of the Maple Avenue Cemetery, as well as Board member of the Milltown
Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, In his free time away from the business, Richard T. Hazzard
enjoyed taking his family on extended camping trips across the country
and to the Chesapeake Bay; with a passion for sailing, he loved to be
near the water at their Rhode Island home; he also loved to tinker and
play handyman to keep busy, but rarely missed an episode of Jeopardy;
and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, his favorite toy and pastime was driving his
1959 MG on a beautiful summer day or taking the old Brewster Fire
Chief's 1938 Chevy for a ride around Brewster; he liked to cook when he
could, but his preference was eating out at restaurants with Donna and
their closest friends; and

WHEREAS, After retirement, he and Donna traveled the world, making
up for lost vacations from the 70s, 80s, and 90s; he loved a good
thunderstorm and if there was a rocking chair nearby, you could always
find him relaxed and peaceful; and

WHEREAS, Richard and Donna also became very close to the Waycross,
Georgia community, where they lived during the winter months; over the
years, their friendships grew, and they truly felt they were a part of
this simple, peaceful place in the South; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the beautiful Southern weather, the couple
loved to attend services at the Trinity United Methodist Church, and for
the last several years the Kettle Creek Church; and

WHEREAS, Richard T. Hazzard is survived by his loving and devoted
wife of 56 years, Donna; his four sons, Richard Jr. (Carol), Timothy
(Kelly), Matthew (Jennifer) and Geoffrey (Heather); beloved
grandchildren, Greer, Sloane, Alexa, Mikayla, Justin, Kiera, Dillan and
Joshua; his brother, David (Louise); sisters-in-law Carol "Kiki" McLagan
and Meriliss White; nephews, Ed (Lorrie) and Norman; niece, Jackie
(Ron); and the countless friends and business associates he considered
family; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Richard T. Hazzard leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will
be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Richard T. Hazzard, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Richard T. Hazzard.