Jesus "Jerry" Hazas

Jesús "Jerry" Hazas, 79, left this world on February 26, 2026 from GentleCare in Vincennes. Born on May 24, 1946 in Havana, Cuba, he came to the United States at the age of 15 without his parents; he was placed by Catholic Charities as a foster child with the Harry and Martha Lou Hutton family of Vincennes. In gratitude, he remained faithful to his church and to the Hutton family to the end of his life. He was a proud citizen of the United States and of Spain.

He graduated from Benedictine College in Kansas and did graduate work at Purdue University. Upon moving back to Vincennes, he met and married Charlotte Black Hazas at The Old Cathedral in 1971. He had a long career as an engineer with BellSouth and AT&T, living in Louisville for 51 years. 

Originally a high school math and physics teacher, Jerry had an endless curiosity about the latest technology and an engineer's passion for the way things work. He loved to travel and was usually studying a language. His hobbies reflected his devotion to family: in the '90s he created a family tree dating back 150 years, and in retirement he digitized a collection of 30,000 family photos. He had an insatiable sweet tooth and an unforgettable laugh.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Jesús Francisco and Zenaida Hazas; his sister Adriana Hazas; and his brother-in-law Keith Tolliver and grand-nephew Aiden Marley. Surviving him are his wife Charlotte; daughter Tracy Hazas (Hillary Miller) of Brooklyn, NY; son Michael Hazas (Simone) and grandchildren Kelby and Eilidh, all of Sweden. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Cheryl Black, Patricia Black (Dale Andrews), Catherine Black Tolliver and Twila Black (Ted Showecker); nieces and nephews Shawna Webster (Dale), Jason Marley (Debra), Chad Tolliver (Amy), Jessica Connor (Jono), Travis Tolliver (Ashley), Amanda Tolliver, Devon Black, Colin Andrews (Kyle Hartwig); many grand-nieces and -nephews, and a great-nephew.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support immigration legal services at Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville, 2111 Stringtown Road, Evansville, IN 47711 (ccevansville.org/donate).The family expresses deep gratitude to the dedicated professionals at GentleCare, who made him so comfortable and took such loving care of him in the twilight months of his life.

Jerry's family will greet friends on Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 AM prior to a Funeral Mass at 12:00 noon at The Old Cathedral, 205 Church Street in Vincennes. 

Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Jerry and his family.