Pat J. Hazatones "Mr. Haz"

"Be just, do goodness, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God."

Pat passed away at the age of 66 on Friday, July 29, 2016, at Lancaster General Hospital after a brief battle with cancer. He was the husband of Helen Patounas Hazatones, the love of his life, with whom he was happily married for 41 years. He was the son of Irini Kosaris Hazatones and James Hazatones of Kos, Greece who preceded him in death. Born and raised in Lancaster, he was a 1967 graduate of J.P. McCaskey and a 1971 graduate of Franklin & Marshall College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Pat was a unique man who lived his life to the beat of his own drum. He will be remembered by all as saying he was "better than I deserve." He lived his life "simply so that others may simply live."

Pat was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was an exceptional and wise teacher of high school students. A dedicated Orthodox Christian, he was intensely involved in his church. Pat also worked at the family business, the Village Night Club, for 36 years. There he formed many strong friendships with employees and customers.

Pat and Helen met in the 60's through the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in the Sunday school program and youth group. It was love at first sight, and they married on June 22, 1975. They were each other's best friend and were inseparable in all that they did. They had three daughters—Despina, wife of Michael Houck; Irini, wife of Ray Zeliznik; Demetra, wife of Carl Hildebrandt. He is also survived by five grandchildren—Eleni, Nicholas, Panayiota, Kassiani, and Phoebe. Pat was extremely proud of his three daughters and would often be heard exclaiming, "My girls can do anything the boys can do, but better." He never missed a concert or sporting event and was known for his intense and boisterous cheering. Supporting his grandchildren in attending their school and sporting events, he will be missed on the sidelines and in the stands.

Pat's love for teaching began at the adult enrichment center helping Greek immigrants learn the English language and adults prepare for their GED's. Mr. Haz taught chemistry at J.P. McCaskey High School. Caring, dedicated, and enthusiastic, he was a tough but fair teacher for 25 years. He made many memorable and lasting impressions on his students and fellow colleagues. Pat was always concerned for the welfare of his students, taking time out of his classes to teach life lessons on hard work and discipline. Greatly loved by his students, they expressed adoration and respect for their beloved Mr. Haz even after 17 years of retirement.

One of the most outstanding aspects of Pat's life was his devotion to the Orthodox Christian faith and his Lancaster Orthodox community. From the young age of 12, he was entrusted to open and prepare the church for Sunday liturgies. This role continued to his death along with his many other volunteer responsibilities which have included altar boy, Sunday school teacher, youth group basketball coach, head usher, council member, and annual Bazaar volunteer. He was entrusted as a volunteer with the church finances and was actively involved in the Philoptochos Society—friend of the needy—where he helped prepare the meals for funeral memorial luncheons. He participated in and supported the annual Crop Walk for 50 years. Selfless in his desire to help others, Pat gave anonymously for many years to aid the poor through various charitable organizations. He was meticulous in all of his church responsibilities and loved keeping the holy altar clean, organized, and prepared for all church services. Pat was a deeply spiritual and humble man who lived life simply with a great faith in our Lord and His Resurrection.

Funeral Services will be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 64 Hershey Ave. Lancaster, PA on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at 10:30AM with The Rev. Dr. Alexander Goussetis, Rev. Alexander Veronis, and Rev. Hector Firoglanis officiating. The viewing will be held at the Church on Monday from 5:30-8:30pm, with a Trisagion Service at 7pm. A second viewing will be held on Tuesday from 9:30-10:30am at the church. Interment will be in Conestoga Memorial Park following the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Pat's memory may be given to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church or the Philoptochos Society. Both may be mailed to 64 Hershey Ave. Lancaster, PA 17603.