Raymond O. “Chuck” Hazzard, Jr., 75, of Leicester and formerly of Auburn, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

Chuck leaves his devoted siblings: Roger Hazzard and his wife Debra, of Auburn, Kathy Fortier and her husband Michael, of Auburn, Diane Gingras and her husband James, of Thompson, CT, Kevin Swett, of Auburn, and Jon Swett and his wife Susan, of Northbridge; his cherished nieces and nephews: Jennifer Hazzard, Lauren Hadley, Courtney Rice, Derek Gingras, Amanda Barron, Morgan Briere, Andrew Rice, Tyler Swett, Ashley Swett; and great-nieces and nephews: Beau Briere, Parker Gingras, Olive Briere, Franklin Gingras, Callum Barron, Emma Cayer, and Sophia Hadley.

Chuck was born in Webster, son of the late Raymond O. Hazzard, Sr. and Victoria M. (LaCoste) Swett and her husband, Kenton Swett. He was raised and educated in Auburn, graduating with Auburn High School’s Class of 1968. Chuck was then drafted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and served his country proudly, returning home in 1971 after his honorable discharge.

He had a lengthy career working as a Heavy Equipment Operator in the Construction industry, during which he worked for various local companies.

Chuck was a true patriot; he was a member of the Cherry Valley American Legion Post #443, past member of the Chester P. Tuttle American Legion Post #279 in Auburn, and was a lifetime member of the VFW. He served as a commander at the Shannon-Davis American Legion Post 205 in Rochdale, also served as a past member of the Leicester Memorial Day Committee. He also was a member of the Auburn/Webster Lodge of Elks, the Charlton Beagle Club, the Knights of Columbus; as well as being an avid Patriot fan.

Chuck, in his free time, loved riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, watching NHRA drag racing, and playing his many different musical instruments, of which he was self-taught. Playing the guitar and singing were some of his favorite activities.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to help care for our homeless Veterans of Worcester County, by donating to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove Street Worcester, MA 01605 (https://www.veteransinc.org/).

A calling hour will be held from 9:30 – 10:30 AM on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central St., Auburn, with a service by the American Legion at 10 AM, and a prayer service beginning at 10:30 AM. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.