Michael Hartman

Robert Michael Hartman of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida died at the age of 83 on December 4, 2019 after a more than 15 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was a beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. Michael, as he preferred to be called, was born on May 14, 1936 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest and fifth child born to Tom and Florence Hartman. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Cabeth Caven Hartman and his adoring daughters Anne and Lisa Hartman. Michael is also survived by his sisters-in-law; Nancy Hartman, Pamela Caven, and his brother-in-law and wife, John and Susan Caven, as well as by 19 nieces and nephews and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, as well as by his siblings Florence Bowman, Dorothy Simpson, Thomas Hartman and David Hartman.

Michael attended St. Bernard Catholic Elementary School in Mt. Lebanon, PA, Georgetown Preparatory High School in North Bethesda, MD, and Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. He continued his higher education by earning a master’s degree in bio-physics from Emory University in Atlanta, GA, as well as a Juris Doctor degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. During his 42 year career, Michael specialized in licensing and regulatory issues related to nuclear, fossil fuel and waste-to-energy power plants across the United States and Sweden. He worked for Savannah Power and Light, the United States Atomic Energy Commission, Ebasco Services, Bechtel Engineering, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Combustion Engineering. He also served as an energy consultant to the governments of China and Russia in the 1980's.

Michael’s personal interests were diverse. He was nostalgic about his crewing years at Rollins College, and was an avid tennis player for his entire adult life. While living in Atlanta, he played ALTA tennis between 1976 and 1984, even winning the city championship one year. He was a passionate traveler, always curious about the road, state or country yet to be explored. The definition of a perfect Saturday for Michael was a day spent hiking on the Appalachian Trail with his family. He was fascinated by all topics related to science, especially environmental issues. His interest in Jacksonville’s environmental challenges motivated his activism in working to clean-up Hogan’s Creek in downtown Jacksonville. For his efforts, Mayor Peyton bestowed Michael with a special Mayor’s Award in 2006. He was also a lover of the arts and discovered he had a natural talent for painting in his 70s. His love and devotion for his dogs and cats was profound and reciprocated by his fury four-legged family members. But his love for cherry pie was truly legendary.

Michael Hartman was a man of extraordinary courage, character, strength and deep humility. He was defined by his kindness and his devotion to his family and his Catholic faith. His pride and love for his daughters was unconditional and transparent for all to witness. His sense of humor, which was never at the expense of others, was always quick and very present until the last few days of his life. To know Michael was to know a man who was a loyal friend, a man who was effortlessly nonjudgmental, and deeply compassionate towards all humanity. He was a man of principle. He was a man devoted to God. The legacies he leaves are many, but none greater than his family. Many men are mourned, but few men will be mourned and missed as he.

A Mass in celebration of Michael’s remarkable life will be held on Saturday, January 11th at 2pm in the Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. A reception will follow at 333 Pablo Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Parkinson Disease Association. Information on their research and how to make donations can be found at www.apdaparkinson.org.