RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Howard E. Hazelton, age 78 of Linden Avenue, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning December 19, 2010, in Bassett Hospital Cooperstown. He was born on June 12, 1932, in Richfield Springs, son of the late Albert W. and Edna M. Ames Hazelton. He was raised and educated in Richfield Springs. On December 28, 1949 he enlisted in the US Air Force. He proudly served his country until his honorable discharge on October 28, 1953 with the rank of Staff Sgt. While stationed in California he met Maggie I. Gentry and they were married on June 1, 1951 at the Hamilton Air Force Base. They shared a union of forty-seven years until her passing on December 9, 1998. For over thirty years he worked as a licensed electrician for I.B.E.W. now Local 43, retiring in 1992. Howard was honored to be a life member of the American Legion Post 616, Richfield Springs. He was past post-commander of both Richfield Springs and the Otsego County American Legion as past county chaplain. He served as president of the Richfield Vets Club for several years and was instrumental in securing the current location of the Veterans club and helped with many of the community outreach programs. Howard will always be remembered as a proud, loyal and sincere man who would lending a helping hand to those truly in need. He will be greatly missed. Surviving are his sons, Howard Hazelton, II (and wife Lois) of Greenbush, David Hazelton and (and wife Karen) of Windfall, IN, William Hazelton of Chadwicks, two daughters, Beth Newman (and Marc) of Peyton, CO, Denise Lohnas (and Bradley) of Gloversville, one brother Robert Hazelton (and wife Frances) of Richfield Springs, two sisters, Helen Stephens (and Roy) of Ellsworth, KS and Rosalie Hazelton of Cooperstown, twelve grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.. Besides his parents and wife Maggie, he was preceded in death by a son Allen Hazelton, a daughter, Mary Kenney two brothers, Charles and Albert and a grandson Christopher Hazelton. A military graveside service will be held in Lakeview Cemetery next spring. There are no calling hours. Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Mr. Hazelton to the American Legion Vets Club, PO Box 686, Richfield Springs, or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.