Penn Stone Hazuda's Obituary
Penn Stone Hazuda, 5, died Friday, April 7, 2023 at St. Jude Hospital of cardiac arrest while surrounded by his family after achieving remission from refractory high risk b-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia following a superhero's two-year fight including 3 relapses.
Born August 24, 2017 in Johnstown, PA, Penny was the fiercely loved son of mommy Jessica (Klebacha) and Eric Hazuda (whom Penn called "Blobby"), and the brother of Pryce Vedder Hazuda, 8, who had courageously prepared to donate bone marrow to his younger brother.
With his Prycer, Penn loved video games, especially "Mario." He also loved the Cars movies, The Princess and the Frog, Brave, Crazy Olaf, Trolls & Minions. He loved music, dancing, and swimming—Penn dove head-first into everything he did. He was so funny, loved everyone he met, and never wanted anyone to feel sad. He loved hanging out in "Deet's bed" watching YouTube especially Lankybox. He loved going shopping & getting surprises. Penn was a helper. He loved adventure. He was so strong and so very brave.
In 2022, Penn received the significant honor of being named "Boy of the Year" by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He was treated at East Tennessee Children's Hospital (ETCH), Tri-Star Centennial, and St. Jude Hospital and loved his friends who battled cancer alongside him, known as the Relapse Crew & 2 East Warriors at ETCH. He also loved his Emma & Livee.
Surviving family are maternal grandparents Debbie ("Deet") & Jim ("Papa") Antonio and Gary & Stella Klebacha; paternal grandparents Jill Hazuda, Rich Hazuda, and great-grandmother Bessie Bonante; uncles Christopher Antonio and Richie Hazuda; aunts Stephanie Tindell and Tonyia Hazuda; and cousins Caroline Tindell and Madelyn & Jack Hazuda.
Penn was preceded in death by his maternal great-grandfather, Franklin Chittister.
A celebration of Penn's life will be on June 24, 2023 starting at 4 p.m., with a service to be held at 5 p.m. at Luigi's Villa in DuBois, PA.
Penn's family welcomes flowers & contributions in his memory. Flowers can be sent to Luigi's Villa starting
June 23, 2023.
Contributions may be sent to:
Penn Hazuda
153 Warren St
Madisonville, TN 37354
A celebration of life is also being planned in Tennessee.
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