He was born July 26, 1950 in Pittsburgh, a son of the late William D. and Mary Lou Martin Hardisty.
John graduated from Waynesburg Central High School in 1968 and from Waynesburg College in 1972. He went on to graduate from the Duquesne University School of Law. He was a member of the Greene County Bar Association.
John practiced law for 45 years. He had served as the Greene County Public Defender, Solicitor for Greene County Children and Youth Services, Solicitor for the Greene County Prothonotary, and was a Juvenile Hearing Officer.
John loved practicing law, but his true love was his family, especially his grandchildren. He greatly enjoyed socializing with friends, walking his dogs, and of course football. He was proud to have played on the undefeated Waynesburg High School team in 1966, and then for the Waynesburg College Yellow Jackets. John had a quick wit and an exceptional sense of humor, never at a loss for words and always prepared to share a good joke.
He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Waynesburg.
Surviving are his wife Frances Burcin Hardisty, whom he married on June 7, 1975; two daughters, Rachael Kelley (Benjamin) of Pittsburgh and Emily DiMascio (John) of Oakmont; and three grandchildren, Cameron Michael DiMascio, Evelyn Jane DiMascio, and Maura Elizabeth Kelley.
Also surviving are a sister, Ann Bartko (Edward) of Charleston, SC; a niece Jessica Ann Mello (Brian); and a great-niece, Reese Elizabeth Mello.
