William J. Hartnett

William J. Hartnett, 84, of Mansfield, passed away early Friday morning, June 17, 2016, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. While his family mourns the loss of Bill, they rejoice in his being reunited with the love of his life, wife Donna, his sons, Michael and Daniel, and his parents.

He was the only child of Jerome Timothy and Thelma (McCarter) Hartnett, born on April 3, 1932, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, and grew up proud of his Irish heritage. His father was a railroad worker and the family moved 13 times during his school years. They finally settled in Orrville, Ohio, where he met the love of his life and future wife, Donna Fry. He and Donna married and made their first home in Orrville. This is where he would coach high school sports, paint houses, and attend Kent State University, working to earn his Bachelor of Education degree. Education was very important to him and he received his Bachelor Degree from Kent State University, Master Degree in Education from West Virginia University and Administrative Specialist Certificate from Kent State University.

He was devoted to spending as much time as possible with his family, enjoying dinner with them each evening. Coming from ancestors who knew the value of family and hard work, Bill never took his family for granted. He was dedicated to doing what he felt was right for his family, friends, colleagues and constituents, even though not everyone agreed with him. While his family was his first love, his love of coaching basketball was undeniable. He sought to teach not only the necessary skills for basketball, but the moral values of being a respectful team player. His competitive spirit was contagious and his players appreciated his passion. That passion spilled over into every aspect of his life. Upon leaving coaching, he entered the administration aspect of education as Junior High Principal at Ashland Junior High. Bill was ahead of his time in his desire to assist students in learning a skilled trade and moved to Ashland County/West Holmes Joint Vocational School where he served as Superintendent. His education career was completed when he retired as Superintendent of Madison Schools in 1984. He was the face of the district from 1975-1984 and was always present in the schools and the community. He then briefly served as Adjunct Professor of Continuing Education at Ashland College.

Bill was a proud veteran of the Korean War, serving with the U.S. Navy as an Air Traffic Controller in Monterrey, California, and was honored to be appointed as the first Director of Veteran Services by Governor Ted Strickland. His service to his country continued throughout his life. Bill was the Executive Director of the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce. Serving in that capacity often found him mediating many issues. His diplomacy was ever present. After this, he served as Interim President of North Central Technical College. Bill was then selected to fill Frank Sawyer's seat in the Ohio State House of Representatives. He was elected to two terms and, afterward, was the liaison between the Governor's office and the Legislature. He was often found crossing the aisle to best help his constituents. Serving the people in the best possible way came before his political party affiliation. He retired on December 31, 2010, having serving his county, state and country well.

Bill leaves a lasting legacy of faith and shining example of being a true gentleman to his family. He was a current member of St. Peter's Catholic Church and going to Mass daily was commonplace for him. Bill knew he was given a gift of bringing people together for the greater good and did not take that responsibility lightly. He was a proud man who was willing to stand for his values and uphold his beliefs. Bill's goal in life was to not always do what was popular, but to always do what he felt was right in any given situation. Loving, kind and compassionate are but a few words to describe Bill. He never looked down upon someone unless he was offering his hand to raise them up. Bill was a very classy man with a vibrant and sharp mind who was creative in looking at a situation from all angles, listening to and considering all sides of every debate. His advice was always well thought out and heartfelt.

He is survived by his children, Cathy (Dean) Squires, Tim (Amy Crose) Hartnett, Amy Hartnett, Patrick Hartnett, Milissa (Duane) Botdorf; seven grandchildren, Kasey (Mark) Plank, Karley Squires, Kristin (Kris) Morgan, Daniel and Evan Hartnett and Cian and Colin Botdorf; three great-grandchildren, Hailey and Zoey Morris and Emma Pifher; lifelong friends, Tony DeLong and Jerry and Pat Davault; lake friends, Bruce and Terry Lynn Foltz; long time friends, Danny Bradshaw, George Distl and Chris Redfern; and many personal and professional friends and colleagues he was privileged to meet throughout his years of public service.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna Hartnett on July 28, 2009; parents, Jerome and Thelma Hartnett; sons, Michael and Daniel Hartnett; and granddaughter, Katie Marie Squires.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 23, 2016, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, Ontario. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 104 W. First St., Mansfield, with Father Gregory Hite officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Ashland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Korean War Veteran's Chapter #51 Scholarship Fund, 2205 Kentwood Drive, Mansfield, Ohio 44903.