Gordon J Hazel Jr

Plattsburgh Mr. Gordon J. Hazel, Jr., 62, of Wildwood Estates, Plattsburgh, N.Y., formerly of Massena, N.Y., died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on January 19, 2010, at CVPH Medical Center after a 2 ½ year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Throughout his illness he always maintained a positive, cheerful and grateful attitude and enjoyed every day. He was a devoted, loving husband, father and grandfather and his family was everything to him. Gordon was born on March 9, 1947 in Massena, N.Y., the son of Gordon J. Hazel Sr., and Marion (Mousseau) Hazel. He was a 1965 graduate of Massena Central High School and a 1968 graduate of SUNY Canton. He was a member of Alpha Theta Gamma Fraternity and President of the class of 1968. Following graduation, Gordon was employed for 20 years as an accountant with Chevrolet Motor Division, of General Motors Corporation in Massena, N.Y. When it was announced that the plant in Massena would be closing Gordon and his family moved to Plattsburgh where he accepted the position as Executive Director of Clinton County's Community Action Agency, The Joint Council for Economic Opportunity (JCEO), a position he held for 18 years. On October 6, 2008 Gordon went on disability with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. One of Gordon's proudest accomplishments while Executive Director of JCEO was the creation and development of 32 units of affordable, livable housing, White Pine Commons. On October 15, 2009 the JCEO Board of Directors and Senior Management Staff honored him by dedicating the Community Building at White Pine Commons to him. Gordon is survived by his wife of 41years, Kathleen Hazel, the former Kathleen Donahue, whom he called "the love of his life," two sons, Marc and David; daughter-in-law Talitha (Atchison) Hazel; two Grandsons, Koby and Dylan who were so special to him, his parents Gordon and Marion Hazel of Massena, a brother Richard and his wife Sherry of Massena; and a sister Joanie of Massena and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Gordon was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church and served on the Parish Council. He served on many Boards of Directors, including; The Clinton Community College Foundation Board; Work Force Investment Board; and the New York State Community Action Association Board of Directors where he served as Vice President for 4 years and President for 2 years. In 2001, Gordon was named Administrator of the Year by the New York State Community Action Association at the annual dinner in Rochester, N.Y. Gordon was a member of the Knight's of Columbus, Plattsburgh Elk's Lodge, and Sunrise Rotary. He was president of Sunrise Rotary in 1997, and in 2001 was named a Paul Harris Fellow. Gordon was named the 50th Irishman of the Year at the annual Irishman of the Year Breakfast on March 17, 2008. He was also named the Dorothy and Alan Booth Citizen of the year by the United Way of Clinton and Essex Counties at the United Way annual Dinner in February of 2009. He valued and treasured these awards a great deal. Gordon was a member of the United Way Campaign Team for 7 years serving on various committees. He chaired the 2004 United Way Campaign that successfully met and surpassed the annual campaign goal of $775,000. Gordon loved being with his family and for over ten years they took an annual spring vacation to Myrtle Beach. He treasured those vacations where they could all be together and enjoy family activities together, including boogie boarding in the ocean with his grandsons Koby and Dylan. He enjoyed reading, golfing, boating and playing the guitar. His family would like to thank Dr. Jan Duus and the entire staff at Fitzpatrick Cancer Center for their loving care of Gordon during his illness. They would also like to thank Dr. Rudolph Willis and the entire staff at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Philadelphia for the same loving care. Calling hours will be at Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St. Plattsburgh, New York, 12901 on Friday January 22, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Christian mass will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Following cremation, burial will be at St. Mary's of the Lake Cemetery on Cumberland Head in Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901 Memorial Donations in his name may be made to the Fitzpatrick Caner Center, 75 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901, or The Joint Council for Economic Opportunity (JCEO), 54 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901, (518) 561-3980. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.