Jack H. Hartley

Jack’s journey was a long and diverse one, that centered around his hometown of Rochester, MA, and his family home and business in Assonet, MA.

Born June 17, 1938, Jack was the youngest son in a family of four children raised by Robert and Ella (Millette) Hartley. He attended the Waterman School in Rochester until he graduated from 8th Grade. He then went to work in the woods, limbing trees with an axe, for his father and the Hartley Sawmill. In July 1955, Jack enlisted in the Army and served in Germany until his honorable discharge in January 1959. Jack then immediately enlisted in the Coast Guard and served at the Lightship in Chatham MA until he was honorably discharged in March of 1961. While serving in the Army, Jack was on the Base’s baseball team and even had a short stint as an Army boxer.

It was after this time, still a young man, when he met and married his first wife Meryden Kirby, with whom he has 4 children.

Jack met and fell in love with Dorothy Gail Taber when he was in the hospital and Gail was his nurse. They were married on January 30, 1971, and had one child, Nicole, on November 22, 1971. Jack, Gail, and Nicole lived in Assonet, MA and enjoyed many happy summers together with all the kids (and eventually the grandkids) at Snow’s Pond. Jack and Gail also had the pleasure of spending several winters as snowbirds in DeLand, Florida until Gail’s passing in 2012.

Jack was an entrepreneur and recycler– owning and operating the D.G. Hartley Pallet Company for many years and was only recently retired.

Jack had many interests, including fishing, hunting, horseshoes and singing by the campfire, but discovered his true calling in his association with AA. He found a fulfilling purpose in mentoring and supporting others and his many close friendships that grew over the years.

So many people describe Jack as “a fun guy” and it’s true that wherever he went, fun was sure to follow. But he also took the time to build and maintain strong and lasting relationships with his neighbors (Beth and Brian Lawton), with his AA community, and with his friends at the Little Phoenix Restaurant where he was a regular customer.

Jack had a wonderful way of relating to people of all ages through jokes and laughter and he wasn’t afraid to tell people that he loved them. As he aged, he became more watchful of loved ones and their circumstances – not hesitating to offer sage and straightforward advice.

He added so much light, laughter, and wisdom, to our gatherings and to our lives and he is dearly missed.

He is survived by his children, Nicole Hartley of Attleboro, Dana-Lyn Hartley and her Husband Lon Mackey of Rockport, Mark Hartley of Rochester, Shawn-Ann Schafler of Rochester, and Matthew Hartley of Rochester; dear family friend, Caycie Bianchi of Berkley; grandchildren, John "Jack" Arruda, Ella Benson, Heather Bryant, Salem Hartley, Levi Hartley, Celeste Hartley, Ari Hartley, Allison Hartley, Simone Schafler, and Benjamin Schafler; siblings, Joan Hagar, Robert "Bob" Hartley and his wife Kay, and Doris Hartley-Born and her companion Donald; Golden years adopted grandchildren, Hannah, James, Ollie, Harrison, and Savannah Bianchi; and many wonderful nieces and nephews (and grand nieces and nephews) who adored him.

His visitation will be from 9-11am on Monday October 28th with a service at 11 in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley BIvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. A luncheon reception will follow at the Cornerstone Community Church, 111 Highland Rd, Lakeville, MA.

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In lieu of Flowers, Please Consider a Donation to North Cottage Substance Addiction Residential Treatment Facility in Norton, MA. http://www.northcottage.com.

Heartfelt thanks to Beth Rocha and all the caring professionals at St. Luke’s Hospital.