Norman "David" Hartnett

David was born on February 20, 1960, in Framingham, Massachusetts to Jeannette Larochelle and Norman B. Hartnett. He grew up with his brother, Mike, and sister, Michelle. He was fortunate to also gain additional siblings when his father remarried. He was born with Cerebral Palsy on his left side, but never let that deter him or slow him down.

As a graduate of North Framingham High School, he was always involved in school activities, including sports, earning him the nickname "Stormin' Norman" because he would always charge full speed ahead, even with his disability. He enjoyed all sports from basketball and football to golf, and he enjoyed leading the change in school politics. After high school, he went on to attend the University of Maryland as well as the University of Las Vegas (UNLV).

He made his career as a Senior Claims Analyst for the Veteran's Administration in Boston for 25+ years. Wanting to serve our Veterans was a passion of Dave’s, since he could not follow in his dad’s footsteps as a Decorated Naval Officer due to the CP. He took great pride in his job and made lifelong friends among his coworkers.

David was raised Catholic, but his "church" was anywhere he could listen to live music, especially in outdoor venues like Red Rocks. He enjoyed virtually any music, but mostly classic rock, bluegrass, and oldies. By far, his favorite band was the Grateful Dead, and he attended countless shows, traveling around the country and the globe to see them, and had a vast collection of CDs, clothing, and memorabilia from every show. His mind was like a computer as he could remember set lists from shows clear back to the first show he saw live, and probably even before that. He also enjoyed singing with his backyard bands throughout his life, and writing his own lyrics, many of which he had protected with copyrights.

His other passion was professional sports. He was a season ticket holder of 20+ years to the New England Patriots. The Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics were a close 2nd. He could give you stats and history for all of them, but many other teams, as well.

David moved to Longmont in November 2021 to be close to friends and try something new. He deeply loved all of his friends and had several who were as close to brothers and sisters as you could be without the genes. He will always be remembered for his willingness to help anyone in need.

David was preceded in death by his parents Norman "Gabby" and Jeannette Hartnett, and stepbrother, John La Femina.

David is survived by his brother, Michael (Linda) Hartnett; sister, Michelle Hartnett; step-brother Dennis (Darlene) McKinney; step-sister, Donna La Femina; his 3 cherished nephews, Connor, Justin, and Devin; his cousin, Sterling Hourihan; and many other friends and relatives. Plus an entire Dead Head community. Fare Thee Well, Brother.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his honor to the Rex Foundation (Grateful Dead), The New England Patriots Foundation, or the Fisher House Foundation (Veteran's family assistance).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for his loving family and friends.