Donald C. Hanzel

Donald "Don" Hanzel, of Fairlawn, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 5, 2026 at the age of 76. Born on April 19, 1950 in Cleveland, Ohio, Don was the son of John and Elsie Hanzel. Don was a devoted follower of Jesus whose faith and church involvement was an important part of his life. He found joy in spending time with his cherished family and was loved for his kind heart and steady presence. He lived a life defined by professional excellence, an unwavering love of sport, deep devotion to his faith, and steadfast commitment to the people he loved.

Don distinguished himself early as an exceptional athlete, earning induction into the Orange High School Hall of Fame. His athletic prowess was matched only by his intellectual ambition. He pursued dual professional paths, becoming both an attorney at law and a certified public accountant, accomplishments that spoke to his remarkable discipline and drive. Combining his legal and financial expertise, Don founded the Hanzel Consulting Group, a financial consulting business through which he served clients with integrity and sound counsel for many years.

He was a volunteer at Grace Church and served on the finance committee. He was able to witness and participate in the church's extraordinary growth from a small congregation of 90 members to a thriving community spanning ten campuses throughout the Akron area.

His faith was a very important part of his life. In keeping with a favorite Bible verse of his, Don lived in the assurance that "all things work together for good for those that love God, who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Don was a gifted golfer who could be found on the course four times a week, often joking that if he played five times, it would be a job. The game brought him joy, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose that never dimmed. His love of sports extended well beyond the links; he was a passionate fan of athletics of all kinds, and his enthusiasm was infectious to those around him. He enjoyed coaching both of his children in their youth sports, and he got to enjoy an early retirement spending many happy days playing golf with his friends.

Those who knew him will remember him as a man of sharp intellect with a competitive spirit who had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. A man who approached every round, every challenge and every relationship with dedication and joy.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elsie and his wife, Linda.

He is lovingly remembered by his beloved fiance Elaine Churney, his daughter Jenny (Landon) Smith and grandson, LJ, his son Mike (Ashley), Elaine's children, John (Erin) and Steven (Kristin) and grandchildren, Jack, Finn, Connor, Emery and Adaline, his three brothers David (Doris), Dennis and Doug (Nancy), his brother-in-law, John (Margie) Jeren. Don was also cherished by many other beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

He is now in heaven with the family that has gone before him no doubt enjoying peace and paradise on the heavenly links. The family invites those who knew Don to remember him by sharing stories, celebrating his life, and cherishing the time they were fortunate to spend with him.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Grace Church, 565 Cleveland Massillon Rd, Fairlawn, 44333 on Thursday, July 9, 2026. There will be calling hours at the church from 10:00am - 12:00pm with a service at 12:00pm followed by a lunch reception. Don will be laid to rest through cremation at Rose Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Grace Church - https://www.gracechurches.org/onlinegiving/