James J. Hartz
James J. “Pete” Hartz, 72, of Connellsville, Pa., passed away at home on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, 2002, with his loving wife and children by his side. He was born in Connellsville, Pa., August 26, 1929, son of William David Hartz and Josephine Bartholomai Ernesty Hartz.
James graduated in 1948 from Connellsville High School, worked his way through college, received his Bachelors Degree from Waynesburg College and later earned his Masters Degree from West Virginia University.
Mr. Hartz began his teaching career at Immaculate Conception High School in Connellsville where he also coached basketball and baseball.
Later he moved on to teach elementary school in the Connellsville Area School District. He taught at Springfield, South Connellsville, Dawson-Vanderbilt, and Zachariah Connell Elementary schools before his retirement in 1992.
He will be fondly remembered by thousands of students whose lives he touched!
James served his country in the United States Army and National Guard during the Korean Conflict.
Mr. Hartz was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Connellsville, The Knights of Columbus Council 948 where he was a Knight of the Fourth Degree and Past Grand Knight, American Legion Post 301, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 21, Slovak Independent Citizens Club, Polish Club, Eagles, and South Connellsville Volunteer Firemen’s Club.
He served as a member of Connellsville City Council from 1996 to 2000 during which he was known for his outspoken and principled leadership.
He also served on the Board of Directors of the Connellsville Housing Authority, Connellsville Senior Citizens Center, the city’s Recreation Board, and Carnegie Free Library.
“Pete” was also the owner of Luckey’s Market on North Pittsburgh Street in Connellsville from 1981 to 1984.
Two brothers, Joseph Ernesty and William “Gutsy” Hartz, and parents preceded him in death.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Bernadine Smarto Hartz; two sons: James J. Hartz and wife, Tammy, of Fayette City, Pa., and David W. Hartz and wife, Dawn, of Connellsville; a daughter, Jennie Ann Hartz Becker and husband, Lawrence F. Becker III, of Connellsville; five brothers: Frank “Slim” Ernesty and wife Emily, Charles F. “Chappie” Hartz and wife Laverne, Harold E. “Snipe” Hartz and wife Charlotte, John Robert Hartz and wife Beverly all of Connellsville and Clyde Raymond Hartz of Baltimore, Maryland; two sisters: Agatha Ernesty Albert and husband, George Albert, and Patricia Hartz Wilson and husband, Arthur Wilson, both of Connellsville.
He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren whom he cherished: Cassidy Hartz, Elizabeth Becker, Ryan Hartz, Lawrence Becker IV, Stacey Hartz, Laura Becker, Duncan Hartz, Sumner Hartz, Caroline Becker and Kristin Hartz.
Friends will be received in the PAUL G. FINK FUNERAL HOME INC., 418 North Pittsburgh Street, Connellsville, Pa., tonight from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. where a Blessing Service will be held Wednesday, June 19, at 9:30 a.m.
A Funeral Mass follows at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Connellsville, with Rev. Fr. Terry Hercik as Celebrant.
Interment will follow in St. Rita’s Roman Catholic Cemetery where Full Military Honors will be accorded by V. F. W. Post 21 and American Legion Post 301 both of Connellsville and Trotter American Legion Post 762.