Former RI Sports Star and IBM Executive Philip C. Hazard Jr. Dies at 67

Former RI Sports Star and IBM Executive Philip C. Hazard Jr. Dies at 67

A husband, father and legendary athlete at East Providence High School, Philip C. Hazard Jr., 67, of Marietta, GA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.  He was married to Julie (DaGraca) Hazard, his childhood sweetheart, for 45 years.  Born in Providence, RI he grew up in East Providence before moving to Marietta, GA in 1997.

Philip was the devoted son of the late Matthew A. Lopes, Sr., and Laura (Barros) Lopes who lovingly referred to him as John.

Besides his wife, he leaves six children, Philip Hazard III (Elena), Leticia Hazard, Joel Hazard (Lindsey), Aaron Hazard (Alexis), Jordan Hazard (Lindsay), and Daniel Hazard (Hillary).  He is survived by one brother, Matthew A. Lopes Jr., of Lincoln, RI and three sisters, Phyllis Conway (Michael) of Powder Springs, GA, Carol Gibson (Peyton) and Laurie Lopes of East Providence, RI.  He was a devoted Papa to 19 grandchildren, with his 20th grandchild due in February 2024.  Philip is also survived by his mother-in-law Mariana DaGraca and Julie’s siblings, Mindy, Antoinette, Alicia, Anthony, and Delores.  He was well loved by a large extended family, including his brethren and sisters in Christ, and many dear friends.

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Phil was a proud East Providence (EP) Townie, graduating from EP High School in 1974 where he was a standout football and track star. He was a First Team All-New England selection in the 100-yard dash during his Junior and Senior years and captain of the school’s State Championship Track Team.  He was inducted into the East Providence High School Hall of Fame in 1992.

A highly recruited student-athlete, Phil attended Boston College (BC) where he played football and ran indoor and outdoor track. He was a three-time New England 100-yard sprint champion and set the Boston College 55-yard indoor sprint record, which still stands.  He graduated from BC in 1978 and was inducted into the BC Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 1988 as one of the premier sprinters to ever compete for the college. After graduation Phil held a seat on the Alumni Board of Directors and served as secretary of the Alumni Association. Phil cherished his time at Boston College and the college was always near and dear to his heart.

After college Phil enjoyed a successful 30-year career at IBM, rising from systems engineer to Global Customer Satisfaction Manager. In this leadership role he was able to travel the world. After retiring from IBM, Phil pursued his passion of working with youth in Georgia. He coached track at Sprayberry High School and taught and coached at Mount Paran Christian School. His students and athletes meant everything to him.

Phil’s accomplishments were many, but his greatest achievement was his marriage to his Julie, his relationships with his children and grandchildren, and his strong faith in God.  Phil was a member of the Atlanta North Christadelphian Ecclesia. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, sustaining him and Julie during his illness.

Phil’s services were held in Marietta, Georgia.  He asked that any donations be made to the Truth Cornerstone Project (TCP), where he was a founding member.  TCP is a Christ-centered outreach program that embodied Phil’s virtues of caring for people and helping anyone he could.

Online Donations can be made at the TCP website link:  https://truthcornerstone.org/donate

Donations by check can be made payable to:  Atlanta North Christadelphian Church and mailed to:  Truth Cornerstone Project, c/o Irvin Sierra, 4935 Heritage Crossing Dr. SW, Powder Springs, GA 30127.