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Jack Hazen Obituary
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. 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 classical cars including a 1935 Ford exactly 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, golf “especially with his Stress-Free Golf league”, fishing with “the fish group”, and most recently paddleboarding, and pickle ball (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. 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 5-8pm. Funeral Mass Monday, March 20th at 11am at St. Daniel Catholic Church, Clarkston with visiting directly at the church at 10:30am.
Please leave a memory or condolence on Jack's online guest book below
Dan Ellabarger
April 3, 2023
I worked directly for Jack at Allison Transmission in indianapolis in the early 80´s. He was the best boss I ever had in my 39 years there. Great memories as he provided invaluable insight to me as financial manager for the World Transmission launch. He was a good man, fair and unflappable. Deepest sympathy to the Hazen family.
Jerry Murray
March 26, 2023
I am so sad to hear of Jack’s passing. Jack was an incredible mentor to me at GM during my 12 year career after I graduated with my MBA. I learned so much from his leadership style, his calm demeanor and his passion for the automotive industry. The world lost a great man!
David Kanous
March 23, 2023
Safe travels Mr. Hazen. Thank you for your kindness
March 19, 2023
We lost one of the greatest in so many ways. We are all fortunate to have had the privilege to know Jack, to work with him, to count him as a colleague and friend. Thank you, Jack!
Lynn Myers
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James Caralis
March 19, 2023
Deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers for the entire Haven family
Steve and Nancy Harms
March 19, 2023
Nancy and I met Patty and Jack when we all joined the Sand Point Association back in ‘95 and we’ve enjoyed many wonderful conversations over a drink at SPA events. We’ve marveled at his stamina as he often paddle boarded past our cottage! Of course, as others have said many times, we were always interested to see what cars Jack had out on his driveway as we passed by!
Our prayers go out to Patty and the family as Jack will be missed! As Jack looks down at us, we want to assure him that the pickleball lines on the SPA tennis court project will be finished up in his remembrance!
Dennis Hoorn
March 18, 2023
Goodbye Jack. Thank you for introducing me to the game of pickle ball, to a lot of wonderful people here in Florida, but mostly thank you for your friendship.
Paul Garko
March 18, 2023
I have so memories. I've known Jack for 50 years. He was a boss, mentor and friend. I will miss our conversations. May he rest in peace.
Delle Jean ZurSchmiede
March 17, 2023
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the entire Hazen family. Jack was an exemplary General Motors executive, knowledgeable, good humored and fair minded. He was a model of leadership excellence for everyone who knew him during his distinguished career. We will certainly miss him and remember him always.
John
March 16, 2023
My condolence to Jack’s family. It was just as much fun playing a game of pickleball with Jack as it was socializing with him. A graceful soul who will be missed.
Edward Zellner
March 16, 2023
I was fortunate to have worked with Jack at GM. Although I was in engineering and Jack was in finance, which can be at odds at times, we always had a good working relationship. Jack was soft spoken and easy to get to know. He was thoughtful, exceptionally capable and of the highest integrity. He was always able to provide superb guidance whenever help was needed. He was a class act and we all benefitted from his leadership.
March 15, 2023
We are deeply saddened to learn of Jacks passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Patti and the family. George and Barbara Benjamin
Fred Devendorf
March 15, 2023
I was fortunate enough to have worked with Jack at Chev. Central Office and the GM Corp. Financial Staff. It was an honor to interact with Jack as he was always well versed, knew his facts and was eloquent in his discussions. A great executive, leader and individual. After retirement, we golfed, fished and prayed together. Times I will never forget. God Bless Jack, his family and all of us missing him.
Dick and Candace Payne
March 15, 2023
I feel very fortunate to have had such a great friendship with Jack. We met in the early 1970's at Chevrolet Financial Staff and stayed connected throughout our careers at General Motors.
It was in our retirement years when our friendship grew closer. We lived near each other in Clarkston and spent many days going out to lunch and playing golf together along with many other friends in the area. Great times and great memories.
But my best memory of Jack is when he suggested we lease a Chevy Pick-Up together. We named it "Big Red". It worked perfectly. We both made sure Big Red was clean and full of gas when we exchanged usage. We would also spend much time having cocktails and friendly conversation before going back home.
Jack was a great person and a great friend. May God Bless Him and may he Rest in Peace.
John Sweeny
March 15, 2023
Jack was a great neighbor. He always made Sandy and me feel welcome. He was a gentle soul who set a high standard of how we should all live. Good job Jack! Our condolences to Patty.
Warren Dyke
March 14, 2023
Jack Hazen was my best man in our12/21/63 wedding and was always one of the most important men in my life. He remains one of the best men I have ever met, we shared a love of sports (pickle ball, tennis, golf and being a fan). Jack tried to make the communities he lived in better places, he saw qualities in youth that needed a guiding hand and was present to lead to the development of their character and assist in their growth. I treasure memories of our trips to Augusta (Masters), Yankee stadium, many ski trips (western USA and Europe), the many shared vacations, family time, and the hundreds of hours sharing the gift of life with a friend. I am grateful for the time together and the subtle wisdom passed my way. He will be forever a part of my life! Love you Jack.
Pat & Jane Portolese
March 14, 2023
We are deeply saddened to hear of Jack’s passing, our prayers are with you and your family Patti, Pat and Jane Portolese.
Dennis Bunker
March 14, 2023
What a true gentleman and great conversationalist Jack was. I have only known Jack a few years. We met at pickleball in Clarkston. I was new and he was one of the first players to approach me and help me fit in. He helped me with the rules and the game.I was a little nervous at first seeing him in a helmet thinking this must be a really aggressive game. He was always genuinely interested about my aging father and how he was doing. The gang at pickleball will really miss Jack and his pleasant nature and wonderful smile. Much love to his family that he always spoke about.
Jeff Heichel
March 14, 2023
Jack was a great mentor and friend to me during my working years. We stayed in touch during his retirement and it was always a highlight to me to do so. Unequivocally, he was the best I ever knew in combining kindness, integrity and effectiveness into his role as a senior executive at GM. It was a pleasure to work with and know Jack. He will be missed by many. My condolences to the family.
Jeff Augustyn
March 13, 2023
I feel privileged to have been a close friend of Jack for over 50 years. He was an exceptionally kind, thoughtful and decent man whose passions were family, friends, and automobiles.
Pat and I cherish the social gatherings, quiet dinners, and rowdy bridge games with Jack, Patty and the East Long Lake Estates “crew”. I personally will never forget the western ski trips, Go-Kart racing, tennis and euchre nights.
Jack will truly be missed.
Jeff Augustyn
Alan Weverstad
March 13, 2023
Jack was a great colleague. Always had time and a smile. He has a great family as well. He will be missed by all that knew him
Al and Lori Seurynck
March 13, 2023
So sorry to hear this. Our sincerest sympathies to Patty and family.
Dave Hansen
March 13, 2023
Patty and Family: Time flies as it was about 40 years ago I had the pleasure to meet Patty and Jack at Pontiac and it was always a pleasure to work with Jack on various projects throughout the years. It was especially rewarding to interact with Jack as he had a love for cars and could relate to the ideas our engineers would toss at him for funding and approval. Seems like we lost touch near the end of our careers at GM but fortunately reconnected as Jack helped lead the GM Retiree Group down here in S Florida. I will always think of Jack at a friend, mentor and someone who placed a high priority on helping his friends.... and strangers. Please accept our sincere sympathy from Julia and Dave.
Paul Schmidt
March 13, 2023
I knew Jack very well for over 51 years, since we met as financial analysts in Chevy Central office in 1972 when he transferred in from the Massena Aluminum Foundry. We became great friends and business colleagues, with our paths crossing multiple times. He was the consummate car guy in his roles in leading finance in the NA sales organization and then Product development. His judgment and integrity were impeccable. Beyond our GM partnership, Jack was an usher at Mary's and my wedding in 1976 and was the godfather to our youngest son Patrick. The entire Schmidt family is grieving from the loss of this wonderful man, and we offer our prayers to Patty and Jack's entire family. They have lost a remarkable husband, father, and grandfather, and I've lost my best friend.
Jim Bunnell
March 13, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Jack at Pontiac Motor Division early in my career. He taught me a lot about the finance side of the business and was always eager to help solve a problem. He had a great smile and was always a joy to work with. My condolences to his entire family. May he rest in peace.
ED LEVY
March 13, 2023
Jack had a great career at General Motors and had the respect and admiration of all who worked with him.
He rose to the top of the finance department and had oversight of a number of people and departments.
He loved cars and sometimes I used to kid him that he should have been in engineering or product development.
Jack and I shared a love of automobiles in general and antique and classic cars in particular. I always looked forward to our lunches where we could talk half the day away.
He was a great neighbor and friend and I will miss him sorely.
Karen Redick (Bauss)
March 13, 2023
My deepest sympathy to Jack's family. Many years ago I worked with Jack at General Motors and most recently reconnected with him on the pickleball court. He will be missed by all who knew him. A kind, happy and sincere man. Very happy to have known Jack.
Bob McCabe
March 13, 2023
Jack and I crossed paths numerous times during our lengthy careers on the GM financial staff. Jack was always very professional and a pleasure to deal with. Also enjoyed seeing Jack and Patty in more recent years at the Stuart, Florida GM retiree luncheons which he had arranged. MY condolences to all of Jack's family and friends
Mark Johnson
March 13, 2023
My deepest prayers and sympathies to the Hazen family. I had the honor of working with Jack during his time in Product Development at GM. I always found him to be thoughtful, kind, considerate and helpful - and he always shared his insights to make the business better. For the last several years, it has also been fun to run into Jack in the neighborhood. Amy and I will miss him.
Jane Dyke
March 12, 2023
Jack has always been been in my life and I don’t think I realized until lately just how much we have done together and just how wonderful it was and now I have lost him and the future will never be the same. We both included each other and spouses in our social life and he and Patty are the reason we came to Stuart. My entire family feels the loss of him as a wonderful brother, brother in-law, friend, uncle and great uncle. Rest in peace dear Jack.
Harold Armstrong
March 12, 2023
Jack: A truly exceptional person who will be sorely missed. During about 25 years of working around him, I came to admire Jack as the finest person I encountered in my 30 year GM career. Friend, mentor, leader.
Janis Hawkins-Clark
March 12, 2023
I am so saddened and sorry about Jack’s passing. I worked for him toward the end of his GM career, and always thought he was a great leader and overall a wonderful person. He will be missed and prayers for his family.
Dale Willett
March 12, 2023
What a nice man always a pleasure at Pickleball. With a sense of humor, and a smile.
Gar Smith
March 12, 2023
Jack was both a gentle man and a gentleman. In my dealings with him over the years, he was always ready to help and provided reasoned and effective solutions to the myriad problems we faced at GM. I highly respected him as a businessman and thoroughly enjoyed interacting with him in retirement as a friend. He's in a better place now and Mary Ann joins me in sending our condolences to Patty and the family.
Jerry Grippe
March 12, 2023
Jack was my college roommate at Clarkson University. I have always felt I was the luckiest guy at Clarkson to have drawn Jack for a roommate. We spent four years together including two with three of our other friends in an apartment. I will remember him forever as we remained friends for nearly 63 years. He was a wonderful person and great friend. My love to Patty and the Hazen family.
Tom Pyatt
March 12, 2023
Jack was a friend and boss while I served as Finance Director of the GM Service Operations Group at the GM Tech Center and an IT Group in the RenCen. Jack was a great leader and good friend. We both lived in Clarkston with many other GM people. God rest Jack and blessings to his family.
Richard Weiermiller
March 12, 2023
Jack was unique! He seemed to always have a slightly different approach to common problems. Take fishing, Most of us on the annual tour to Canada fished the mouths of streams or the shallows near the breading grounds. Not Jack! he found a way to find the big ones. In doing so, he became known to us as "Deep Water Jack"! He will be missed.
Thomas Davis
March 12, 2023
I have known Jack since the late 1970's. We worked together on many GM product development projects for over 30 years. He was the best financial/car, truck/ marketing person at GM. His integrity, knowledge, humor and work ethic set him apart. I was was lucky to continue our relationship with the occasional lunch in the Stuart FL area each winter. We enjoyed the humor and stories from our past. Jack will be always remembered and truly missed.
Ed Hufnagle
March 12, 2023
Jack was a thoughtful, caring and humble professional at work. His character and demeanor were always a welcome addition to any gathering. I wish blessings to his family.
John Quattrone
March 12, 2023
Jack was a good friend and colleague. I worked with him for many years, in many different assignments ...He was always a professional, ethical, honorable, high integrity executive...so sorry for his loss. My condolences to his family. John Quattrone
David Leone
March 12, 2023
Jack was a man of the highest integrity. He taught many people so much. He was artful at giving folks outside the world of finance, a clear picture and understanding of what the numbers really meant. I enjoyed every moment working with him for decades. He will be truly missed. My deepest condolences go to his family, and they can be so proud of the example Jack left for all of us. He was a valued member of the Cadillac leadership team which we both shared in.
Patrick Kemp
March 12, 2023
Jack was my mentor when I was a young accountant working at Cadillac. He was more than a mentor. He was a trusted good friend. I could always turn to Jack for advice and he would always be there to listen and share his thoughts. Heaven just got another angel. Going to miss you Jack.
Nancy Brinkman Engelhardt
March 12, 2023
Our deepest condolences to all the Hazen Family! We enjoyed talking with Jack all of our days spent at our cottages on Sand Point! He will certainly be missed by many we know! God’s peace over you all.
Sincerely, The Brinkman & Engelhardt families (The Shanty)
John Gerlach
March 11, 2023
Jack was a cherished friend for more than 50 years. Karen and I spent many wonderful years with he and Patty. We have so many wonderful memories I can’t begin to count them. We will miss him so much. Truly a special person who will never be forgotten. Our deepest sympathies to Patty and the boys.
Ray McGarry
March 11, 2023
A wonderful person at his job and with family and friendsGod Bless and keep him Forever!
Marcia McGee
March 11, 2023
What a great guy. Loved working with him and getting to know Patty. So sorry to hear this
Jeff & Gretchen Hurlbert
March 11, 2023
Jack Hazen was one of the best to walk the face of this Earth. An extremely knowledgeable employee at GM in so many positions and a terrific friend in retirement , Jack was just a wonderful person to be around. We have lost a great one!! Our sincere condolences to Patty and the family.
Marilyn Allyn
March 11, 2023
I met Jack playing pickleball. I enjoyed his competitive, but kind, nature on the court. He was always a gentleman with a great sense of humor. We had some great conversations talking about our families, travels to "up north", skiing, and Florida. He would always inquire about my husband's health. I will certainly miss Jack.
LARRY HICE
March 11, 2023
A wonderful friend and a great human being. "Mr. Integrity" was the best! Heaven has another angel.
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5929 South Main Street, Clarkston, MI 48346
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