Leonard Hajost

Leonard Hajost, 91, passed peacefully to his Lord Wednesday, March 15, surrounded by members of his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hermine and James Hajost, brothers James and Edward Hajost, and sister Lorraine Wierschem. He is survived by his wife Rosemary, sons Scott Hajost(Theresa,) Brian Hajost (Elizabeth,) Bradley Hajost, Bruce Hajost, and daughters Cynthia Hajost and Becky Hajost Brown (Eric). Eleven grandchildren include Alex and Heath Hajost, Andrew and Christian Matthews, Erik Krause, Akane Faulkner, Jessica McCoy, Elizabeth Krause, Sasha Owens, Anya Matthews and Annie Hajost. Makani Owens is Hajosts’ great grandson.

Born and raised in Chicago and educated at the University of Illinois, work brought Len to Lancaster, where he met and married Lancaster local Rosemary Akin. Len served as an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church and Assistant Scout Master for the Boy Scout troop sponsored by the church. He was a member of the Lancaster Rotary for many years. A member of Sherman Rotary recently nominated Len for a new award – Spouse of the Year Award. He was a member of the Lancaster Masonic Lodge #57 and all York Rite bodies.

Len was in business downtown for over thirty years, served as president of the Downtown Business Association for many of those years, and was named “Boss of the Year” by the American Business Women’s Association. In 1999 Fairfield Chamber of Commerce awarded Len’s business the Small Business Award of the Year. His building, now housing Art & Clay on Main, was presented the Coronet award by Fairfield Heritage Association. Len served two terms as president of Fairfield Heritage. Operating some of Ohio University’s regional campus bookstores was an important part of the business, and the Hajosts have been honored for their years of support for the university by an area in the revamped OUL library.

A first generation American, Len was proud of his Hungarian roots. Appreciative of the blessings of his community, he strived to give back through most of his life. Early on he was president of the local Young Republicans. Perhaps he is best known as the creator and coordinator of the Zane Square Festival, held for many years in the downtown he loved. What most do not know is that proceeds from this popular event were carefully saved, and at the ending of the festival used to fund the lighting of the downtown fountain. Former Mayor Kenneth Mace presented Len with the Mayor’s Citizen Award for service for the Zane Square Festival.

Len was a member of Lancaster’s Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee. A Legacy of that event was downtown’s bandstand, and he played a significant role in raising funds for that Festival project. Later Len was honored to be named to Lancaster’s Bicentennial Commission, out of which came the Ohio Glass Museum, on whose board Len served until recently.

A passion of Len’s was serving as a commissioner for many years for the County Historical Parks. He was pleased to see the levy that saved those parks approved. A long time supporter of education, Len was a founding board member and served as president of the West After School program. He was a faithful tutor for many years. Len served as president of the OWA Advisory Board for 26 years, striving to bring vocational education to Lancaster City Schools. The Floyd Wolfe Award for Community Service and induction to the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame were given to Len and Rosemary jointly.

A devoted Chicago Cubs fan, Len was there when the Cubs played in the 1945 World Series – and lived to see them win last year. Sports, gardening, the outdoors, and extensive travel were all things Len enjoyed. Everyone knew his “thumbs up”, positive attitude toward life and the ever ready “Where’s your smile?” Devoted to his family and community, Len will be missed by all who knew him.

Visiting hours will be 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 on Friday, March 17, at Lancaster Presbyterian Church. There will be a brief visiting period 11:00 to 12:00 on Saturday, March 18, prior to the 12:00 service at the Presbyterian Church. A graveside service will follow. The family invites friends to join them for a celebration of Len’s life at 2:30 at the Lancaster Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation to any one of Len’s charities, including the Ohio Glass Museum and the West After School Program.

Funeral Service

12:00 PM ,Saturday, March 18, 2017
First Presbyterian Church
222 N. Broad St Lancaster, OH 43130
Notes: Visitation one hour prior to the funeral service.

Visitation

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM ,Friday, March 17, 2017
First Presbyterian Church
222 N. Broad St Lancaster, OH 43130

Visitation

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ,Friday, March 17, 2017
First Presbyterian Church
222 N. Broad St Lancaster, OH 43130