Earl Earnest Hasz Jr.

Earl Earnest Hasz Jr., 86, of Centennial passed peacefully at his memory care home from complications of dementia on Sunday, Dec. 29, with family at his side.

Earl served his family, friends and community gracefully in many roles, including as a devoted husband, father, brother, son and grandfather as well as a dedicated professor, Rotarian, tennis player, softball pitcher, world traveler and bridge player. All benefited from his generous spirit, kind demeanor and pun-fueled humor.

Earl is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Kay; his sister, Caroline Jackson; his son, Earl Mark Hasz (Heather); his stepdaughter Katherine Hanak (Michael); his stepson Kris Hudson (Holly); his daughter-in-law, Tamara Gehauf Hasz; and 10 grandchildren. They are Kendall Hanak, Karson Hanak, Cole Hudson, Kaden Hudson, Porter Hasz, Padraig Hasz, C.J. Hasz, Anne Coke, Ethan/Elliana Hasz and Abbey Marceau.

Preceding Earl in transitioning to eternal life are his parents, Earl Sr. and Ruth Hasz; his son, Eric Hasz; and his brother, Chuck Hasz.

Born in Beloit, Wis., Earl excelled in Future Farmers of America and as an honor student. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at Carleton College in Minnesota, then earned his Master’s degree and Doctorate in Mathematics at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He proudly taught computer science and mathematics at Metropolitan State College of Denver for nearly 40 years, retiring in 2008.

Earl enjoyed playing sports through most of his life, pitching in men’s fast-pitch softball leagues well into his 30s and playing tennis with his wife and friends into his 70s. His family refused to play croquet with him due to his penchant for completing the course in one round.

Earl was an avid camper, accomplished cook and a home-improvement maestro. His marshmallow-roasting skills were legendary. Rarely was he seen outdoors without one of his signature Greek fisherman’s caps.

Later in life, Earl and Mary Kay invested themselves fully in Rotary International. Earl helped to found the Littleton Sunrise club, served in many roles on the club’s board and avidly supported Mary Kay when she served as a Rotary district governor. Earl and Mary Kay enjoyed attending Rotary annual conventions in South Korea, England, France and several across the U.S.

Earl has said he’d like to be remembered as a good man who was appreciative of the things he earned and those he was given. He mastered the attributes that escape most people: consistently being present and supportive. His legacy is one of kindness, selflessness, scholarship and grace.

Services will be at Christ Episcopal Church, 2950 S. University Blvd., Denver, CO., on Feb. 22. The exact time will be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Earl Earnest Hasz Jr.’s memory can be made to Rotary International Foundation.