Charles L. Hazen OBITUARY
Charles L. Hazen OBITUARY
Charles Lee Hazen, affectionately known as “Chuck” and “Papa”, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025, in Mansfield, Connecticut, at the age of 97. Surrounded by love, two of his daughters were by his side as he departed this life.
Born in Akron, Ohio, Charles spent his formative years in Erie, Pennsylvania, as the eldest son of Clair and Stella Hazen. At the age of 17, he answered the call to serve his country during World War II as a proud member of the United States Navy. After the war, Charles pursued his education at Penn State University, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering and achieved distinction as a wrestling champion.
Charles enjoyed a remarkable 40-year career with General Electric. Beginning in Erie, he applied his engineering expertise to designing trains and subways before transitioning to corporate purchasing management in Connecticut. His sharp mind and personable nature earned him respect both nationally and internationally.
In Erie, Charles met Jean Gott, the love of his life. They married in 1951 and shared an extraordinary journey together for 67 years until Jean’s passing in 2018. Together they raised five children in a home brimming with love and laughter. Charles was an avid golfer and a talented artist with a creative spirit, but his greatest joy came from time spent with family. He cherished organizing camping trips that brought generations together around campfires and picnic tables, up mountains and splashing in the ocean. Known for his playful sense of humor and vibrant personality, Papa often took center stage during shows at family gatherings.
Papa was a huge hearted man, a man of many talents, a man whose heart and joy was his family, a man who exemplified compassion and strength, a man whose humor and smile charmed all who knew him, a man whose hug would comfort our tears away or just as often cry with us during times of sadness. He was such a rock of a man but as soft a heart as there ever was. As he crosses that bridge he can at last be with his wife Gigi, his sons will laugh and give him giant hugs, and many tails will be wagging as he is bowled over by the happy pups he loved.
Charles is survived by three daughters: Nancy Hazen-Swann, Christiane Hazen, and Susie Sandall; nine grandchildren; four great-granddaughters; and many others who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jean and sons Chuckie and Billy.
A Celebration of Life is planned for the spring. Keeping with Chuck’s love of dogs, in lieu of flowers you may donate to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Charles leaves behind a legacy of compassion, joy, and devotion that will forever inspire those who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to all whose lives he touched. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit
