Anthony Hazelton

HARRISON — Anthony C. “Tony” Hazelton, 66, of Harrison, passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at Bridgton Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Tony was born in Bridgton on July 16, 1949, the son of Arthur and Rachel (Cross) Hazelton. He attended Bridgton Schools and Bridgton High School.

After high school, he entered the U.S. Army and faithfully served his country during the Vietnam War, and had served in Alaska. Following his tour of duty, Tony worked at his father’s garage, Art’s Body Shop.

He married Betty St. John in 1972.

Tony took a Rural Mail Carrier position for the U.S. Post Office in Harrison, and was well-known as “Tony the Mailman.” He retired from the post office in July 2004 after 37 years of service.

He was a member of the Harrison Fire Department since 1970 and was appointed Chief in 1983. He was past commander of the Harrison American Legion Post 139, Past Master of the Crooked River Lodge AF & AM, Past Grand Sword Bearer of the Grand Lodge, the Kora Temple Shrine, and was a past member of the Bridgton Masonic Chapter and Commandery, and the Western Maine Firefighters. He was a past member of the Lions Club and served as a member of the first Harrison Planning Board.

Tony was an avid NASCAR fan. He raced car #33 at Oxford Plains Speedway. He enjoyed moose and deer hunting, carpentry, and was a “jack-of-all-trades.”

He will be remembered by family and friends for loving people. A true patriot, Tony enjoyed putting out the American Flags with his wife, Betty at the Harrison Cemeteries at Memorial Day. He was also proud that he donated 73 pints of blood in his lifetime, and was disappointed when he was told he could not donate after he was diagnosed with cancer.

He was predeceased by his parents.

He leaves behind his wife Betty of Harrison; his sister Vicky Underwood of Bridgton; a niece, Jodi Chute and her husband Craig of Casco; and several extended family members.

The family received friends from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 24, at Oxford Hills Funeral Services, 1037 Main Street, Oxford where a Masonic ritualistic service will be held by members of the Crooked River Lodge #152 AF & AM at 1:30 p.m. A memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 26, at the Harrison Fire Station. Committal services followed at the Harrison Village Cemetery. If desired, donations in Tony’s memory may be made to William G. Pembroke American Legion Post #139, PO Box 68, Harrison, ME 04040, or to the Harrison Fire Association, PO Box 911, Harrison, ME 04040. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com