Robert J. Hartnett

Robert J. "Jim" Hartnett, age 93, resident of Oak Park, formerly of Western Springs, passed away October 27, 2016. Beloved husband for 69 years of the late Lucille, nee Donovan; loving father of Susan (Dennis Rosenbaum), Mary Ann, Patrick (Kimberly), David (Lee Ann) and Jimi (Jean) Hartnett; dedicated grandfather of Sarah, Erica (Boe), Andrew, Alex, Katie, Steven, James, Audrey, Liam and Shannon; great-grandfather of Jayla, Jordan and Lila; dear uncle of many and fond brother of Thomas (Rosemary); Bernard; Harold (Diane); Raymond (Joyce) and the late Francis (late Jan) Hartnett.

Jim’s life was marked by service to others. He served in WWII as a pilot, commandeering the B17 bomber on many dangerous missions. From this experience he instilled a strong sense of strength, courage and integrity in his children.

Nearly every night he sat at his children’s bedsides and told imaginative and adventure-filled stories that he created on the spot, and the tradition continued on with his grandchildren. He was always generous with his time and was often called the “den mother” of the neighborhood, making up fun games for all. He was a craftsman and a handyman, which included adding a second story to the family home, building toys for kids, and regularly fixing anything that needed fixing for his family and neighbors. His dedication to, and love of his family was demonstrated by his presence and support of his children during their most difficult times.

Jim built, from the ground up, a highly successful court reporting business in Chicago, Hartnett & Catellani, and was always on a quest to bring innovation to the field of court reporting. He gave one-on-one attention to each of his court reporters, helping them overcome personal obstacles and contributing to their professional growth. He ran his business with the utmost integrity, always taking the “high road.” Jim was a religious man who devoted many of his Sundays to teaching religious classes at his church. He loved to dance with his wife, play golf and tennis with his friends, and sail on Lake Michigan with his family. Jim had a dry sense of humor which became more potent with age. He had a life well-lived with his wife of 69 years. He will be missed enormously for so many reasons. All the love he gave lives on in all the many lives he touched.

Visitation Tuesday 3-9 PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 7750 W. Cermak Rd., Forest Park. Family and friends will meet Wednesday for 9:45 AM Funeral Mass at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, 5005 S. Wolf Rd., Western Springs, IL. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21297-0303. Info: www.woodlawnchicago.com or 708-442-8500.