Tom Hartney

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tom Hartney. He was the husband of Deborah (Jones) Hartney and the father of Thomas D. (Anna) Hartney. Tom was predeceased by his parents George and Mary Jane (Taylor) Hartney, his father-in-law Larry Jones and his sister-in-law Pamela Jones Kowal.

Tom was born and raised in New Britain, CT. He graduated from New Britain High School in 1969. He then went on to attend Central Connecticut University, where he earned his Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Education. Tom also attended the University of Connecticut, where he earned an advanced certificate in Education. While in college Tom ran several trips to Florida and Bermuda. He was always up for a good time. He also spent many summer vacations on Cape Cod with the guys.

Tom taught in the East Hartford school system for 34 years. He began his teaching career at Pitkin Middle School. He then moved on to Robert J. O’Brien Middle School, where he met and then married Debbie. He also taught at East Hartford Middle School and finished his career at East Hartford High School. He retired in 2009. Tom had an abundance of patience and kindness for all of his students.

Tom and Debbie loved to travel but their favorite destination was Aruba. They enjoyed many happy times there. Tom also enjoyed playing golf in Florida and Connecticut. Every day Tom would make his rounds at the pool stopping to chat and joke with everyone. Tom had a wonderful smile and a witty sense of humor. He was always ready with a joke or a quick comeback.

He leaves to mourn his passing: his wife Debbie, his son Tommy, his daughter-in-law Anna, his mother-in-law Fran Jones, his sister-in-law Pattie Jones and his nephew Justin McEacharn. He also leaves two aunts, several cousins and a host of friends both in Florida and Connecticut and his best buddy Tim McDonnell from California. His phone calls and visits always brought a smile to Tom’s face. The family would also like to thank Tom’s caregivers, especially Carlene for her kindness and compassion. Carlene brought a ray of sunshine to each and every day.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday (July 7, 2021) at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Church of St. Edmund Campion Parish, 370 May Road, East Hartford. (Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church on Wednesday morning). There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Research, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008-0780. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the local funeral arrangements. Those we love don’t go away they walk beside us every day; unseen, unheard but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear. Te amo Tom. Vaya con Dios. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopoeh.com