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By all accounts, the former Chester Township fire chief was the kind of guy you wanted to work for, or just plain be around.
Many people were saddened to learn this week that he died at age 58 while serving his second tour as a firefighter in Iraq.
A family friend who asked not to be identified said his death was unrelated to the war.
Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home of Chester Township is handling arrangements. Services are to be announced.
"It was a privilege to serve under him as chief," current Chester Fire Chief John Wargelin said. "He was well-liked and well-respected in the fire service, especially here in Chesterland. He was a special person."
Wargelin said Hanzel served on the department 32 years before becoming chief - a part-time job - in 1998. He held the post until 2002.
Under Hanzel's watch, the department reduced response times for rescue calls, increased staffing at the two stations, and improved personnel training, Wargelin said.
He also served on the Beachwood Fire Department for about 30 years.
His son, Brian, and his wife, Denise, were very proud of him.
"He was my dad; he taught me everything I know," Brian said.
"My mother and I are both extremely proud of his accomplishments and achievements."
Denise Hanzel added that her husband loved being a firefighter and was proud to protect the soldiers overseas.
Wargelin said a coordinated ceremony involving both departments, as well as others in the area, is in the works.
"The plans are that he will be escorted from the airport to the funeral home," he said.
Hambden Township Fire Chief Scott Hildenbrand, who is president of the Geauga County Fire Chief's Association, said he spoke with Hanzel about a month ago at a funeral.
"Eddie was always a pleasant guy, always smiling, very friendly; just an all-around nice guy," he said.
Beachwood firefighter/
paramedic Dale Cubranich said he and others in the department are devastated by Hanzel's death. He said Hanzel was his mentor when he joined the department 29 years ago.
"Right away, he just took me under his wing and continued to try to make me a better firefighter," Cubranich said. "He was always very calm. It was just wonderful to be around him in an emergency situation. He absolutely loved life."
He said his friend enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and liked working on vehicles with his son.
"He was able to fix about anything," Cubranich said.
At Beachwood, he had special training to serve on the SWAT team and the rope-rescue team. Cubranich noted his patriotism as well.
"The service to his country was very important," he said.
"It just seemed like everybody knew Ed and loved Ed. I was just very blessed, as were so many other guys."
