PAXTON__Bruce J. Hatstat, 87, lifelong resident of Paxton, passed away at Dodge Park Rest Home in Worcester, MA on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2022 after a period of declining health with his loving family at his side.
Born in Holden, MA, he was the son of Frank and May (St. Denis) Hatstat. He is survived by the love of his life, Judy (Chernewski) Hatstat, wife of fifty-three years; his sons, Todd Channing Hatstat and his wife Alana Hatstat of West Brookfield, MA, Bruce Brian Hatstat and his partner Nancy Geoftrin of Dudley, MA, Michael Anthony Hatstat of Worcester, MA, Steven Matthew Hatstat, Sr. and partner Cathy Miranda of Hyannis , MA. He also leaves, 13 grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and many cousins.
Bruce was predeceased by his sons, John Bruce Hatstat of Worcester, MA, Frank Arthur Hatstat of Reddington Shores, FL and Robert Todd Hatstat of Manchester, NH.
Bruce worked from childhood on all the farms in Paxton which taught him how to produce a really wonderful garden every year. He graduated from Holden High School. He worked for the Department of Natural Resources of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Maintenance Supervisor for twenty-five years prior to his retirement. He managed the state pools and skating rinks. He and his wife Judy enjoyed traveling, camping, and cruising. They enjoyed 17 cruises, many of which were abroad. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, teaching all of his grandchildren to love the outdoors. He enjoyed walking at the Rutland State Park and The Rutland Prison Camps. He enjoyed all of Clive Cussler’s novels. Bruce loved and missed his 17 year old great Dane “Natasha” and will be missed by his cockatiel “Spikey” . Bruce was very proud of his Hatstat heritage as Hatstat Hessian soldiers came to Rutland Massachusetts during the Revolutionary War to assist the effort.
The family would like to thank the staff of Dodge Park Rest Home for the loving care always given to Bruce and to Notre Dame Hospice who cared for him in December. There are no services at his request. Memorial contributions ca be made to First Congregational Church of Paxton 1 Church St., Paxton, MA 01612.