Bill Hazel (Courtesy photo)
Lifelong resident, active in community
Bill Hazel, who grew up in Harvard and was a longtime supporter and patron of all things Harvard, died peacefully March 25, 2014, surrounded by all of his family. Over the years Bill gave generously of his time and resources, volunteering in town, and, with his wife Nancy, graciously opening his farm at 150 Ayer Road for various club and charitable events.
William T. Hazel Jr. was born in Ayer, Mass., on August 16, 1937, to William T. Hazel Sr. and Mildred Garrick Hazel, both of Harvard, who were then caretakers for the Miriam Shaw estate on Old Littleton Road. Billy, as he was called, went through the Harvard Schools, graduating from Bromfield in 1955. He attended Atlantic Union College in Lancaster, Mass. While going through school, “Billy” worked part time mowing lawns for many of the elderly in Harvard and for the Town of Harvard Highway Department. After college Bill was employed by Norton Company, now St. Gobain. In 1960 Bill married his wife Nancy, and two years later they located at Sunnywood Acres, a farm at 150 Ayer Road. In 1965 Bill received his real estate license and along with Nancy started Sunnywood Acres Realty. After his retirement in 2002, Bill focused his attention on managing the farm grounds.
Bill was a member of the Harvard Fire Department for 23 years, and many firemen’s musters were held at Sunnywood Acres. In the mid-1980s Bill was one of the founders of the Bromfield Boosters Club. Through the years, he and Nancy donated their time to many town benefits, such as Harvard’s 250th Celebration in 1982, and their support to the Harvard Athletic Association and Harvard Parks and Recreation Commission. Bill served as Animal Inspector for the town and coached Harvard youth baseball for several years. In addition to supporting town events, Bill and Nancy donated their time to such organizations as the New England Pony Owners and Breeders’ Association and the New England Horseman’s Council.
A member of the Lions Club for 31 years, Bill received the distinguished Joe Camarda and Melvin Jones awards from the Harvard Lions Club and was given an honorary lifetime membership. Bill and Nancy hosted the Lions Club Craft Fair at Sunnywood Acres for 20 years and, in more recent years, the club’s two-day Fall Festival.
In addition to lending their farm for town and Lions Club events, the Hazels ran horse shows for several horse clubs and to benefit Tufts Veterinary School of Medicine. Bill offered his farm grounds for Norton Company picnics each summer, for antique car shows, and medieval horse shows. Bill, Nancy, sons Bob and David, daughter Suzanne, their spouses, and several good friends started the Hazel Christmas Tree Cut Your Own, along with the Christmas Tree Shop.
Bill leaves his wife Nancy of 53 years; son Robert, his wife Darlene, and their two children Jennifer and Robert, Jr; son David and wife Gina and their children Michael, Lindsey, and Nicholas; and daughter Suzanne Dutkewych, and her four children Alexandra, Nathaniel, Dmitri, and Natalia.
Calling hours are Sunday, March 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. Benedict Abbey, 252 Still River Road, Still River. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 31, at St. Benedict Abbey at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nashoba Nursing Association, 2 Shaker Road, D225, Shirley, MA 01464, or Harvard Lions Club, PO Box 268, Harvard, MA 01451 to primarily benefit eyesight, hearing, and diabetes, as well as local area needs.
