JOHNSTOWN, PA -    With great sorrow, the Diocesan Chancery announces the falling asleep in the Lord of  Very Rev. Protopresbyter Ronald Hazuda on  Thursday, May 5, 2017.

Born July 18, 1935 in Coaldale, Pa. he was a son of the late George, Sr. and Bertha (Medinci) Hazuda. He graduated from Nesquehoning High School and attended Penn State University and Christ the Saviour Seminary in Johnstown, Pa. where he graduated with a Licentiate of Theology. He later graduated from Gannon University with his B.A. Degree.

Fr. Ronald was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Eminence, Metropolitan Orestes  on June 8, 1958. He served his first pastorate as administrator of SS. Peter & Paul Church in Newark, N.J. for 14 months. In 1959 he was assigned to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church of Erie, PA where he served as pastor for over 52 years with piety, strength and unwavering faith. until his retirement in 2011. Upon retirement, he was named Pastor Emeritus of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. He concurrently served as pastor of St. Mary's Orthodox Church in Corry, Pa. for 58 years.

In addition to serving the Parish family of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Father Ronald offered his business acumen to the Diocese. He faithfully served as Diocesan Treasurer and Consistory Board of Trustees member for over 34 years and for 28 years was the Director of the Diocesan Priest Pension fund. Under his direction, St. Nicholas Church underwent many building projects including construction of a new rectory, renovation of the Church interior and the erection of a new Iconostas. Also during his tenure three sons of the parish entered the Holy Priesthood.  In recognition of Fr. Ronald's faithful service to the Diocese,  His Grace, Bishop Gregory recently bestowed the coveted, Bohorodica Award, upon him.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Pani V. Dolores Hazuda, who Fell Asleep in the Lord on June 30, 2006; two brothers, George Hazuda, Jr. and John Hazuda; and a sister, Mary Opreskoe.

Survivors include his loving children, Tamara L. Kloss, husband John and George A. Hazuda; a grandson, Alexander Hazuda; two sisters, Anna Thear and Pani Eleanor Polanichka and her husband and his dear friend, Very Reverend Protopresbyter Michael; and also survived by many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Friends will be received  on Wed, May 10, 2017 at  St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 1115 East Avenue in Erie, PA  from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. The Priest’s Parastas will be sung at 7 PM.  The Funeral Divine Liturgy will take place on Thursday May 11, 2017 at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at the Parish Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to Christ the Saviour Seminary Library Fund, 225 Chandler Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906 or spiritual gifts to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 1123 East Ave., Erie, PA 16503.

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May our good God grant blessed repose and rest eternal to His faithful servant, the newly-departed servant, The Priest Ronald and render eternal  his memory, Vicnaja Jemu Pamjat!, Christos Voskres!  Christ is Risen!