October 05, 2024

Barb & all the Hazlett Families.  Thank you for your phone call on 10/4advising us of Bill’s passing.  Our sympathies to all.  Bill was a great person & friend.  We were stationed together at CINCLANTFLT in Norfolk & remained friends via a personal visit to Lititz 15 years ago, yearly telephone conversations & sending Christmas cards yearly with a short letter updating our lives.  We did this for the past 62 years sharing lots of good memories from the early 60’s.  Rest In Peace Bill.  Jim & Jane Schalow

September 02, 2024

Bill Hazlett – Teacher, Realtor, Civic-Minded Citizen
A Tribute
 
William R. “Bill” Hazlett passed away on August 16, 2024. As a teacher, realtor, and civic-minded citizen, his life and mine intersected in three profound ways in the years between 1965 and 1988.
In 1965 I started as a sophomore at Warwick High School, after spending my first year in high school attending Lancaster Catholic. Because I had taken American History rather than Civics as a freshman, I was enrolled in Mr. Hazlett’s class. It was in that class, under Mr. Hazlett’s instruction, that the workings of government, the political process, and the responsibilities of being a citizen in a democratic society awakened an interest that eventually shaped the direction of my life.
As a teacher, Bill Hazlett personified a unique combination of a laid-back, easy-going approach with a passionate belief in assuring we understood the underpinnings of our government. He had a dry wit that I appreciated and the courage of his convictions which stirred my young mind. I eventually went on to college as a history education major, influenced by him and other impactful social studies teachers at Warwick.
I encountered Bill Hazlett again in 1982 when I began covering Lititz area school and municipal news as a correspondent for the Lancaster Newspapers and later as News Editor of the Lititz Record Express. My career path had led me into journalism, though I did teach junior high school social studies in a brief, but unsuccessful attempt to find a permanent teaching job. My grounding in government and civics provided by Bill Hazlett eighteen years previously was an invaluable aid to my role: clearly and succinctly reporting on the detailed, complex, convoluted, and often (to the ordinary person) boring workings of borough councils, township boards of supervisors, zoning meetings, planning commission meetings, school boards, and historical review commissions.
It was during those years that I got to know him in his various roles at Warwick Township government to which he brought the same dry wit and passionate convictions he had demonstrated in the classroom. What I most remember is his ongoing battle with the other Township supervisors over the rails-to-trails project. In his far-reaching vision for the Lititz area, he tirelessly worked to convince the local governments that such a recreational and open-space saving concept was a venture worthy of investing taxpayer money. We have that beautiful trail through the farmland of Warwick Township, which now connects Lititz and Ephrata, because Bill Hazlett helped to champion it.
My third encounter with Bill Hazlett was in his role as a realtor. We were a young, broke family living in an apartment and the dream of home ownership seemed out of reach. We had applied for a first-time homebuyer’s program, but were on a long waiting list. Then one Wednesday morning we got a phone call that we had qualified, but had only until Friday at 5 p.m. to have a house under contract. I immediately called Bill. Although his initial response to the deadline and our price range was, “You got to be kidding!” he dropped everything he was doing and set to work, turning up three houses in Lititz that fit our budget. The first was pretty much a wreck. The second was smaller than the second-story apartment we lived in. We were in despair. Then Friday morning a double house on North Locust Street came on the market. Bill arranged a tour, we made an offer to the homeowner, and by 5 p.m. we had a contract.  
Thanks to Bill Hazlett we had our first house, where we lived for 23 years.
There are many people with whom we cross paths, sometimes only for a short time, but who have a profound impact on our life’s trajectory. If you knew Bill Hazlett, or even if you didn’t, honor his memory but thanking someone who’s made a big difference in your life.
Kathleen (Whiskeyman) King

September 01, 2024

Barbara, Sorry for the loss of your husband, i
m praying to the one who knows your sorrow
Ann Mellott

August 26, 2024

Todd, Tim, and Chad,
My heart and prayers are with you all and your mom at this difficult time. I remember your father’s smile and laugh. He always seemed to have the energy to corral you boys and keep smiling. May your memories and his salvation comfort you. 
Kristy Hirtzel (Mellott)
 

August 25, 2024

Barbara, my sympathies to you as you face this difficult time.  May God grant you peace and understanding.  May your memories comfort you as each day passes.
Joyce Parrett

August 25, 2024

Todd, Tim, and Chad, I’m sorry about the loss of your Dad and remember fondly the spark he brought with him to all of your high school sports and to the community at large. May the Lord comfort you, your Mom and all of your children as you move forward. 
Cindy Sensenig (Hurst)

August 25, 2024

Great family! RIP. Thanks for being you.
Greg

August 24, 2024

He was an incredible man, loving and devoted spouse, a father who encouraged his children to love and gain wisdom and a Grandfather who enjoyed listening to their thoughts, feelings and laughter.  Of course Bill would provide his wisdom and direction to guide and nurture them and all of us. His spirit and philosophies will never be forgotten. Send much love to all of you.  A strong man is never forgotten.
Brenda

August 24, 2024

I had Mr. Hazlett for a Civics class at Warwick High School in the early 70′. I remember him as a great teacher and enjoyed my class with him. My sympathy to his family. Sharon Leese – Fort Myers Florida 

August 23, 2024

We had so many good memories traveling to the Warwick basketball games in all kinds of weather I remember the heated seats in the car, and disagreeing with ref’s calls. Our condolences for loss.
Kathy and Bob Manning

August 23, 2024

I always enjoyed talking with Bill I will remember your family in my prayers 
Ken Hufford

August 22, 2024

I am so sorry for your loss. sendign prayers to your family.
tony lico

August 21, 2024

Todd and family. So sorry for your loss.
I was fortunate to have worked with your dad through my sign business over the yeas. It’s been a while since I’ve seen or spoke with him but I’m sure it would have been like no time had passed.
I always enjoyed his wisdom and conversation when we worked on his projects.
Tom Benjamin

August 21, 2024

Thinking of you all ,just know that he is now in heaven telling all his friends and family some new jokes.He’ll live in your hearts forever. 
Amy Jo Adams(Mentzer)

August 21, 2024

Very sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences and prayers to the Hazlett family. RIP Bill.
George and Pam Way

August 20, 2024

Lary and I send our deepest condolences to you Barb ,and your family..May God comfort, strengthen and keep you all during this time of your loss. Love, Lary and Cheryl McCowan
 

August 20, 2024

So sorry to hear about Bill. I know he was suffering for some time,but I know it is still very hard to lose someone you love. Also, my heart goes out to the boys in losing their dad. You all will be in my prayers!!!💞
Esther Markey

August 18, 2024

I was fortunate  to teach with Bill at Warwick. He was a special  teacher, but a better friend and person. He will be missed.
Dave Cochran