With sorrow, the Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, has announced the death of Reverend Terrence J. Hazel, who died April 9, 2022. Father Hazel was 72 years old. He is survived by his sister, Diane, and several nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces.
Father Hazel attended Saint Christine Elementary, Volney Rogers Elementary and Chaney High School before entering Saint Gregory High School in Cincinnati. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Saint Gregory Seminary College and a master’s degree in theology from Mount Saint Mary Seminary of the West in Cincinnati. He also earned a master’s degree in secondary education administration from Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio.
He was ordained on June 7, 1975, by the Most Reverend James W. Malone, Bishop of Youngstown in the Cathedral of St. Columba.
Following ordination, his first assignment was to the faculty of Ursuline High School and in 1978, he was transferred to Warren John F. Kennedy High School as administrative assistant for pastoral ministry. In 1986, he was appointed principal of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and canonical pastor of Saint Peter of the Fields Parish, Rootstown in 1995. In 1997, he became pastor of Saint Michael Parish, Canfield until his retirement in 2021.
Besides his dedication as a teacher, school principal, and pastor, Father Hazel served as a member of the diocesan College of Consultors, defender of the bond for the appellate section of the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal, Diocesan Director of Catholic Scouting, and Dean of Mahoning County – South Deanery. He served on the Council of Priests, Diocesan Board of Religious Education and as the Faithful Friar for the Bishop James A. McFadden Knights of Columbus assembly. Father Hazel was also involved in ministering to people with developmental and physical challenges and was one of two priests in the Diocese to know sign language.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at Saint Michael Church, Canfield from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. with Evening Vespers at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Michael Church, Canfield.
