John (Jack) Harold Hartley, 86, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2024, surrounded by loving family and friends at Saint Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford. 

Born June 17, 1938, Jack was the youngest son in a family of four children raised by Robert and Ella (Millette) Hartley.   He attended the Waterman School in Rochester until he graduated from 8^th Grade.  He then went to work in the woods, limbing trees with an axe, for his father and the Hartley Sawmill. In 1955, Jack enlisted in the Army, and served in Germany until his honorable discharge in 1959.  Jack then enlisted in the Coast Guard and served at the Lightship in Chatham MA until he was honorably discharged in 1961. 

It was after this time, still a young man, when he met and married his first wife Meryden Kirby, with whom he has 4 children.

Jack met and fell in love with Dorothy Gail Taber when he was in the hospital and Gail was his nurse.   They were married in January 1971, and had one child, Nicole, in late November, 1971.  Jack, Gail, and Nicole lived in Assonet, MA and enjoyed many happy summers together with all the kids (and eventually the grandkids) at Snow’s Pond.  Jack and Gail also had the pleasure of spending several winters in DeLand, Florida until Gail’s passing in 2012. 

Jack was an entrepreneur and recycler– owning and operating the D.G. Hartley Pallet Company for many years and was only recently retired. 

He had many interests, including fishing, hunting, horseshoes and singing by the campfire, but discovered his true calling in his association with AA.  He found a fulfilling purpose in mentoring and supporting others and his many close friendships that grew over the years.

So many people describe Jack as “a fun guy” and it’s true that wherever he went, fun was sure to follow.  But he also took the time to build strong and lasting relationships with his neighbors, with his AA community, and with his friends at the Little Phoenix Restaurant where he was a regular customer. 

Jack had a wonderful way of relating to people of all ages through jokes and laughter and he wasn’t afraid to tell people that he loved them. As he aged, he became more watchful of loved ones and their circumstances – not hesitating to offer sage and straightforward advice.

He added so much light, laughter, and wisdom, to our gatherings and to our lives and he is dearly missed. 

He is survived by his children, Nicole Hartley of Attleboro, Dana-Lyn Hartley and her Husband Lon Mackey of Rockport, Mark Hartley, Shawn-Ann Schafler, and Matthew Hartley all of Rochester; dear family friend, Caycie Bianchi of Berkley; grandchildren, John "Jack" Arruda, Ella Benson, Heather Bryant, Salem Hartley, Levi Hartley, Celeste Hartley, Ari Hartley, Allison Hartley, Simone Schafler, and Benjamin Schafler; siblings, Joan Hagar, Robert "Bob" Hartley and his wife Kay, and Doris Hartley-Born and her companion Donald; Golden years adopted grandchildren, Hannah, James, Ollie, Harrison, and Savannah Bianchi; and many wonderful nieces and nephews (and grand nieces and nephews) who adored him.

His visitation will be from 9-11am on Monday October 28^th with a service at 11 in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley BIvd., New Bedford.  Burial at the Sacred Hearts Cemetery will follow. 

For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/massachusetts/new-bedford/rock-funeral-home/1145

In lieu of Flowers, Please Consider a Donation to North Cottage Substance Addiction Residential Treatment Facility in Norton, MA.  http://www.northcottage.com/page26.html

Heartfelt thanks to Beth Rocha and all the caring professionals at St. Luke’s Hospital.