Richard Julius Hazen

 Richard J. Hazen, 72, of Ipswich passed away suddenly on Wednesday, March 1, 2023  at Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport.

Born in Ipswich on  October 4, 1950, he was the son of the late Charles A. and Flossie (Geroux) Hazen of Ipswich.

Richard, attended Ipswich public school and graduated from Ipswich High School in 1970.  Richard spent his entire working career in the shellfish industry.  First as a digger and for the last 30 years or so as a shucker at Savage Seafood in Rowley.  Richard will also be fondly remembered by residents in the area of the Town Wharf for the Sunday paper route that he started in the early sixties, when he was 10 or so, and maintained through hot summers and cold winters until the Ipswich News Store burned down – easily 50 years, and even after he had to give up the large paper route, he had a few special customers to whom he continued to pick up and deliver the Sunday paper.  He played for many years on Ipswich bowling and cribbage leagues.  He loved sports, especially football, and kept up with the scores and standings of all the Boston teams and truly loved attending Friday night football games and cheering on the Ipswich Tigers while helping his dear friend Mel Bowen as a spotter while Mel announced the game.  Ricky spent many contented hours simply chronicling the comings and goings of all the boats and boaters on the river.

Richard is survived by brother, CharlesG.. and his wife Susan Hazen of Rowley, sister Barbara A. and her husband Gary Bruce of FL and ME, sister Ethel L. Hunter of Gorham, ME and sister Sandra J. Koxarikis of Berlin, NH as well as nieces and nephews:  Cynthia (Bruce) Senter of ME, Kerry (Bruce) Falagario of ME, Elizabeth (Hazen) Morris of Salisbury, Charles Hazen, Jr. of Rowley, and George Koxarikis of NH.  He is also survived by seven great nieces and nephews:  Jordon, Olivia, Jamen, Daniel, Emmett, Cameron and Madison as well many Hazen cousins.  Ricky was predeceased by his brother Gardner in December 2021.

Ricky’s good humor and friendly personality will be missed by all.

A private service will be held.  Burial will be in the family lot in New Highland Cemetery in Ipswich.  A celebration of Ricky’s life will be announced later to be held in warmer weather.  Arrangements are by the Morris Funeral Home of Ipswich.  To send a letter of condolence to Rick’s family please go to:  MorrisFH.com .  In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Richard’s name to:  the Ipswich Football Boosters  c/o  the Ipswich High School  130 High Street, Ipswich, MA  01938  attn:  Robbyn Wile, President.

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