Mark M. Hazara

Mark M. Hazara, 59, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, of Bechtelsville, passed away Wednesday in Telluride, Colo.

Mark's career spanned both teaching and administration, culminating as director of secondary education at Wilson School district, West Lawn. He also served 36 years as a naval reservist, achieving the rank of rear admiral and retiring in 2004.

In 1969, he earned his bachelor's degree from Gettysburg College and in 1978, he earned his master's from Temple University.

In addition to his educational and naval career, Mark was a former member of Washington Township Planning Commission. In the 1970s, he was head coach of the wrestling team at Pottsgrove High School and later became a PIAA scholastic wrestling official.

Mark was an avid fisherman and boater. He loved to travel, especially to the New Jersey shore and Delaware.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Diane (Karpovitch) Hazara, Bechtelsville; a son, Kent Andrew Hazara, Bechtelsville; a daughter, Nicole H., wife of Thomas A. Urick, Carmel, Ind., and granddaughter, Emma Elizabeth Urick.

Friends may call Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 45 N. Reading Ave., Boyertown, with a funeral service to follow. Pastor Carl Wenzel and RADM Darold Bigger, CHC (retired) will officiate.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mark Hazara Memorial  Fund, to be used for charitable gifts, c/o National Penn Bank, 2900 N. Charlotte St., Gilbertsville, PA 19525.

Catagnus Funeral Home Inc., 1020 E. Philadelphia Ave., Gilbertsville, is in charge of the arrangements.