NEW GLOUCESTER – Peter “Nick” Hazlett, 79, died peacefully on Oct. 6, 2022 at his home in New Gloucester.

He was born March 4, 1943 in Portland to Cecil R. Hazlett and Esther Romano Hazlett, both deceased. He graduated from South Portland High School, the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine School of Law. He spent five years in the United States Navy Seabees, including a year in Vietnam. Upon returning home, he became one of the founding members of the Maine Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War.

Nick held a number of occupations throughout his life, including reporting for the Portland Press Herald, working as a lineman for the Maine Central Railroad and for several low income and housing programs in Maine. He was also the Code Enforcement Officer for the town of Lisbon, the Town Manager of Dixfield and then became a country lawyer working out of his home, offering low-cost legal services until he retired.

He enjoyed gardening, movies and attending his children’s sporting events. He coached his son’s little league team and helped create the football program at Gray-New Gloucester High School. Nick was also committed to fighting injustice wherever he found it, whether he was demonstrating against a war, fighting for civil and human rights, speaking up at a town meeting or debating friends and neighbors at his favorite perch on the kitchen bar stool. He enjoyed nothing more than a heated political discussion, always hoping to have changed a mind or two in the process. Though Nick’s views and political ideologies could be controversial, one would be hard-pressed to deny that he was intelligent, witty and a great conversationalist who had a knack for getting people to question their own views.

He is survived by his wife, Liz Bishop Hazlett; daughter, Nicole J. Hazlett of New Gloucester, son, Peter N. Hazlett Jr. of New Gloucester; sister, Joanna Hazlett Roberts of South Portland, brother, John D. Hazlett of Saco; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In the spirit of his love of gatherings of family and friends, there will be an open house celebration of Nick’s life at his home in New Gloucester on Nov. 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. Bring your stories and memories to share.

In lieu of flowers, make a donation to your local Democratic candidate

and please vote.

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