Robert J. Hazen, 80, of Fords, passed away with his loving family by his side on Monday, May 23,2022, at Cooper University Medical Center in Camden.

Robert was born in Elizabeth to the late Catherine (Dargis) and Leon Hazen. He is an honorably discharged veteran, serving in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968. Robert worked as a truck driver for Kristen Distributer in Elizabeth for 45 years before his retirement. In the years that followed, he kept busy as a jack of all trades at Tanky's Bar & Grill in Hillside.

In his free time, he enjoyed making home cooked meals for his family and friends; his corned beef and cabbage was his specialty. He was a car enthusiast and an excellent handy man, fixing up his home for his wife and kids. Lovingly known as "Pop" to his neighbors, he was always there to help them when needed.  He took joy in the outdoors, and loved hunting, boating and fishing. His children fondly remember him teaching them to crab while down the shore in the summer. He enjoyed bowling and was also an amazing pool player. Robert was a jokester and could make anyone laugh. He loved watching classic, black and white Westerns and listening to oldies and country music. Always trying to win the big bucks in the NJ Lottery, he played his favorite numbers at the corner store every day-and even won the little bucks on occasion. Robert had many passions and hobbies, but when it came down to it, spending time with his loving family was what he took pride in the most.

Robert is predeceased by his siblings, Pete, Stanley, Richie, and Evelyn Hunter, and his beloved grandson Corey. He is survived by his devoted wife, Helen (Luster) Hazen; his seven children, Marge Horin and husband, Dennis, Bobby Koch and significant other Nancy, Robin Hazen, Renee Mattio and husband, Anthony, Leon Hazen and late wife, Chrissy, Evelyn Hazen, and Cathy Heinze and husband, Mark. He is also survived by his sisters, Kathryn Dicellis (Tom) and Nancy (Charlie) Urbanski; his 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; along with many extended family and friends. Robert will be missed dearly by his precious dog Punkin.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Avenue Fords, NJ 08863. A prayer service will begin at 2:15p.m. in the funeral home. Committal service will be followed by interment with military honors at St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia at a later date.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.