Donald Arthur Hazlett, 88

February 13, 2025

Donald Arthur Hazlett, 88, of Lititz, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Hospice & Community Care in Mount Joy.

Born in Apollo, PA, he was the son of the late Charles C. and Hilda R. (Smith) Hazlett. He was the loving husband of Mary Ellen (Johnson) Hazlett.

Raised in Niagara Falls, NY, Don’s journey took him across the world, but his heart was always with his family and those he cared for. At age 17, Don joined the U.S. Navy, dedicating 27 years to military service and retiring in 1987 as a Captain and Executive Officer of the Yokosuka Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan. For his years of exemplary service, he received the Meritorious Service Award. While serving in the Navy, he met the love of his life, Mary, a Navy nurse, in Portsmouth, VA. They married at Fort Monroe, VA, and together, they built a life full of adventure, devotion, and kindness. During and after his military service, Don pursued his passion for helping others, earning his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine and continuing a distinguished career as a psychiatrist earning the title of Distinguished Lifetime Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. His work took him across the country, touching the lives of countless patients.

Outside of his career, Don was a man of many passions. He loved gardening and could often be found working in his yard, reluctant to come inside. He was a talented poet, artist, and sculptor, with a deep appreciation for Japanese culture, collecting artifacts, and even showcasing his own artwork in Japan. A lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, he cheered for his team with unwavering enthusiasm. Above all, Don was a family man—patient, kind, and endlessly generous. He found joy in caring for others and always put his loved ones first. His gentle spirit and warm heart will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Hazlett; his children, Bronwen Hazlett, Colleen (Michael) Hazlett-O’Brien, and Daniel (Jada) Hazlett; his grandchildren, Georgia and Josephine Sexton, Hatcher and Samuel Hazlett, Caleb O’Brien, Olivia and Jonathan Hazlett, and Felix O’Brien; and a loving extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Raymond, Harry, and John Hazlett.

Friends and family will be received from 1PM to 2PM on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. A Funeral Service will follow beginning at 2PM.

To honor Don’s vibrant spirit and love of life, we encourage guests to wear something fun and colorful to his service. Let’s celebrate his life with the same warmth and brightness he brought to all of us.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don’s name to World Vision at: worldvision.org.

Watch the tribute video