John C. Hartranft

John Charles Hartranft, age 83, passed away on March 30, 2026 after a period of declining health. He was a long-time member of the Upper Arlington community, raising his three sons there with his beloved wife of 61 years, Linda (Bussard) Hartranft.

First and foremost, John was passionate about his family. He and Linda raised Jay, Jeff and Josh; John was always present and cheering on the sports sidelines, and at all of the boys’ life milestones. He welcomed daughters-in-law and made them part of the family. He was a doting grandpa, and resumed his sideline cheering for their soccer, softball and other sports.

John was born in 1942 in Fostoria, Ohio to Eleanor (Rayle) and Charles Hartranft. Charles died in 1945 while fighting in World War II. John and his brother Jim gained a father when Eleanor married Joseph Kochtan, known to all as “Kokie”. John grew up in Centerville, Ohio, attending Washington Township High School.

He earned his undergraduate degree at Harvard University, majoring in government and serving as a kicker for the Crimson football team. John married Linda in 1964, and they began their life together in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where John attended University of Michigan Law School and became a lifelong Wolverine fan.

John and Linda moved to Upper Arlington, Ohio from Ann Arbor where John joined the law firm of Wright, Harlor, Morris and Arnold in Columbus, Ohio which eventually became Porter, Wright, Morris and Arthur. He had a distinguished career there, practicing corporate law, and his colleagues became lifelong friends. He was committed to advancing the Central Ohio legal community, serving as an officer with the Columbus Bar Association and ultimately as its president in 1999-2000. Following his retirement, he became a frequent volunteer with Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO), earning the volunteer award in 2015.

One constant in John’s life was his passion for golf. He was a long-time member of Hickory Hills Golf Club and of Ohio State University Golf Club. He played courses all over the country. He gained special joy in golfing with his sons, and eventually, with his granddaughters.

John is survived by his wife Linda, and his children and grandchildren: Jay Hartranft and Noelle Sicuro of Upper Arlington and their daughters Eve and Cora; Jeff Hartranft and his partner Lori Stevens of Dublin and her son Matthew; and Josh and Katie Hartranft of Wickliffe, Ohio and children Ella, Vivian, Margaret and Charles. He is also survived by his brother Jim Hartranft and husband Dan O’Connor, as well as Linda’s sisters Joyce Reid and Nancy Zajac and their children and grandchildren. He is also survived by many cousins with whom he remained close all of his life.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joseph Dusseau as well as the caregivers at both Visiting Angels and Caretenders Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in John’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at ALZ.org/centralohio or 5200 Upper Metro Place, #170, Dublin, Ohio 43017.

The family will receive those wishing to pay their respects on Monday, April 13, 5:00-7:00 PM at Schoedinger Funeral Home Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Road in Upper Arlington.