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Howard Hartnett Obituary
Moravia: Howard Philip Hartnett, age 51, beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, and a committed community servant, passed away on Monday, April 15, after a short illness. Howard spent many years working as a Vice President at Wilmington Trust/M&T Bank, based in Ithaca and Binghamton, after spending several years as a CPA at Sciarabba Walker in Ithaca following his graduation as salutatorian of the Class of 1979 at Moravia Central School and graduated cum laude from SUNY Geneseo in 1983. His passion was philanthropy and community service; among the numerous organizations he was proud to serve were the Moravia Rotary Club as its longtime Treasurer, the Seward House Museum as a member of its Board of Directors, Friends of Ithaca College, and the Boards of the Finger Lakes Land Trust, the Powers Library in Moravia, the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation, the Museum of the Earth, the Reconstruction Home, the Community Foundation of Tompkins County, and many others. He is survived by his parents, Coral and Anne (Tyrrell); brother and sister-in-law, Douglas and Maria (Chaffin); sister and brother-in-law, Michelle and Perry Lyon; nieces, Caitlin and Sierra; nephews, Cameron and Jared, all of Moravia; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 19th, in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Grove Street, Moravia. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Moravia. Father Peter Clifford and Richard Shatzel will be officiating. Calling hours will be held Thursday, April 18th, from 3:00-5:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Wade Funeral Home, 22 Church Street, Moravia. In lieu of flowers, please honor his memory with contributions to the Seward House Museum, Tompkins County Public Library Foundation, or Powers Library
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Memories and Condolences
for Howard Hartnett
Jeanne Petrella
April 11, 2019
Just yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Howard's father. I can see where Howard got his delightful personality. It was nice to connect with him.
Sue Hartnett
April 11, 2019
I often think of Howard and the conversations we had and the time spent with him and the family. I know he rest peacefully with Jesus.
Peggy Ansaldi
December 23, 2013
To Howard's family: I just found out about Howard in the Geneseo Scene. I was a friend of Howard's at Geneseo. We had lost touch but I have thought of him many times over the years and remember him as a great guy! May God Bless you all and may your memories of Howard bring many smiles this Christmas and always. With deepest sympathy,
Hans Hansen
April 27, 2013
I am really sad to learn about the passing of Howard – far too early. My thoughts go out to the Hartnett family - Anne, Coral and Michelle. The Hartnett family opened their house to me as a Rotary foreign exchange student in the spring of 1989. I have a lot of memories of Howard as a caring and helpful person. Howard had a great sense of humor - and I am grateful that I some years later had the opportunity to show him my home county, and that we were able to spend some good days together touring Denmark and parts of northern Europe. Thank you for sharing the 2 wonderful pictures. Very Howard.
Julia Posorske
April 26, 2013
Howard has been my counselor during my time as a Foreign Exchange Student in 1992/1993 and he was a very good one. I remember him as a kind, gentle, generous and open minded person. He made me feel like I was a part of his family. I'm shocked and saddened that he had to leave this world too soon. My condolences to his family.
Martha Armstrong
April 26, 2013
It is so hard to believe that this gentle and great spirit has left us. I had the opportunity to work with Howard for over ten years that he served on my organization's board, and looked forward to many more. He was a wonderful colleague. My condolences especially to Howard's family and dearest friends.
April 26, 2013
I worked with Howard closely as a member of a community Board and have known him for years. What a loss to our non-profit world. I couldn't believe when I heard about is sudden death. I am so sorry that I was out of town and didn't hear on time to say good buy to a dear friend. He was an amazingly caring and generous person. He always came up ideas how to help our community. I am going to miss his kind words and his smile.
Matt W.
April 24, 2013
I had dinner with Howard a few times while sitting at the bar at Mia in Ithaca (Commons) over the summer of 2012 and found him pleasant, engaging and interesting. His commitment to the community was clear. A good man, gone from this world too early.
Cindy Traver-Brinkmeyer
April 22, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to Howard's family. I will always remember him as "Howie" my friend and brilliant classmate. I know he will be missed by so many.
Adam Klausner
April 21, 2013
Howard's warmth, kindness and the tireless contributions he made to our community touched so many of us. He will be deeply missed.
Rosemarie Romano
April 20, 2013
I am shocked and so sorry to read of Howard's untimely passing. I had only met him for the first time a year ago, but was immediately struck by his warm friendliness, commitment to his community, and generosity of spirit. He will indeed be missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
Don Mortin
April 19, 2013
I'm very sorry to read about Howard's passing. My sincere condolences.
Shelley Sherboneau
April 19, 2013
I am saddened by your loss and pray that God will give you comfort during this most difficult time. Howard was a great person and will be sadly missed by those who knew him. Peace be with you...
Scott Miller
April 19, 2013
Howard,
Heaven just got a serious style boost. Ithaca will never me the same. You will be deeply missed. Our sympathies to your family and many, many, many friends. Scott and Teri Miller
Jack Hardy
April 19, 2013
Howard embodied "community spirit"...I served on two boards with him CNY/Cayuga Fund and Seward House Museum...he will be missed, my condolences.
Agnes Casto
April 19, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Howie when we would come to visit you on the farm many years ago. He was always friendly and attentive to all of us. Vic always enjoyed getting to visit with him when he traveled to Moravia and spoke often of his devotion to his family and community and many accomplishments. You will be in our prayers.
Tom and Val Collins
April 18, 2013
Howard was a dedicated Rotarian who generously gave of his time to many, many community organizations. Howard lived his beliefs and, thereby, was an inspiration to all who served with him. He knew that he was planting and watering seeds which he would never harvest but which would make his community and the world a better place for future generations.
Allison Mulvaney
April 18, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss, please accept my condolences. Thinking of the family at this difficult time.
Sue Hartnett
April 18, 2013
When I think of Howard I remember this little boy with a smile from ear to ear playing around with his Uncle Mark t at the farm house. His Uncle Mark thought the world of Howard. Howard was a wonderful little boy who grow to be a wonderful young man. Howard wasn't alone when he passed, I know his Uncle Mark was there for him.
Cristofe Chabot
April 18, 2013
Howard was one of the most caring, generous and selfless people I have ever met. If the rest of us tried
to live up to the example he set the world would be a much better place. If his life was to be measured in quality rather than quantity, Howard outlived all of us.
Decorating cake for Coral and Anne's 50th anniversary party
Lois and Paul Thomas
April 18, 2013
We send out deepest sympathy to all of the Hartnett family. I know firsthand how important Howard's family was to him. He was kind and generous,a true believer in philanthropy who gave of his time and energy, and a wonderful friend. I will miss him so much.
April 18, 2013
To all of Howard's family, on behalf of ACHIEVE and the ACHIEVE Foundation on which Howard served, please accept our sincerest sympathies. We were most appreciative of Howard's service to our agency, and will miss him greatly. May he rest in peace.
Mary Jo Thorn, CEO ACHIEVE, Binghamton, NY
April 18, 2013
Coral and family, we are very sad to hear about the passing of Howard. Our prayers are with all of you. Tom Cole and family.
Linda Guinn
April 18, 2013
Howard was a sincere and kind gentleman - rare qualities in these times. His good deeds will live on. Deepest sympathy to family and friends.
April 18, 2013
Howard's family & friends,
Howard was a true gentleman and an inspiration to me for his community service. He's greatly missed.
Guy Garnsey
Ron and Elaine Stayton
April 18, 2013
Coral Ann and family. We are so sorry to learn of your loss. We are thinking of you at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Maryruth Shields
April 17, 2013
Howard's family
Sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sue Burhans
April 17, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss....my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.....
Cindy Dickenson
April 17, 2013
RIP Howard.....thanks for being you.....you have touched many lives and gave so much to this community.....
April 17, 2013
I credit Howard with getting me involved in community service activities in Ithaca. Working with him on boards was inspiring - and most of all a lot of fun! I saw first hand his ability to diagnose and organization's problems and take action, and learned a tremendous amount from him. It is really an irreplaceable loss for our community. I feel that Howard lives on in the example he set and the organizations he helped make stronger.
April 17, 2013
Our sincere and deepest sympathy to
Howard's family and friends. Howard
was our accountant for 24 years. He
was a caring and helpful person and we
will miss him. We are saddened for your loss.
John and JoAnn Agard
Trumansburg NY
Russell and Cindy Bossard
April 17, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Marty and Kathy Warne
April 17, 2013
Deepest condolences to Howard's family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Judy Epstein
April 17, 2013
What a terrible loss, for his family and all of us who were lucky enough to have known him. He was an inspiration--kind, generous, insightful--and a wonderful friend.
Jeff & Julie Hawley
April 17, 2013
Doug and Maria,
So sorry to hear about your brother. I have fond memories of those college days.
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Jeff & Julie Hawley
Dawn Caulkins
April 17, 2013
This is a hugh loss. Howard will be missed.
Merrie Hulbert
April 17, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Diane Cohen
April 17, 2013
We are terribly saddened to lose such a great contributor to the community. Howard joined our board of directors in January, and we were looking forward to his guidance and caring support. I'll miss our conversations at Zaza's over a cocktail and the resulting strategy sessions to make the world a better place. The world IS better thanks to Howard's efforts. Our condolences to his family, we all share in your loss.
--Diane Cohen
Carol Fudge
April 17, 2013
Please accept my condolences. I loved Howard and got to know him through Rotary. We were both committed to youth exchange. He will be missed
Cassandra Castellot-Escobedo
April 17, 2013
Many condolences at this difficult time. Peace to Howard and his family.
Bonnie (Heffernan) Sherboneau
April 17, 2013
To the Hartnett Family, I so sorry to hear of Howard's passing. I remember riding on the school bus with him and always with a smile on his face. He will sorely missed. My heart is with you all at this difficult time.
Jennifer Abbott
April 17, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Howard's family and friends. I will remember Howard as a wonderful person, friend and classmate with a fun loving sense of humor. Howard's service to the community is remarkable and unmatched. Howard will be missed by many but know that he is in a better place.
Lori McGee
April 17, 2013
I was honored to know and work with Howard over the last two years. He was a wonderful man, and will be greatly missed. His contributions to the community will be appreciated for many many years to come, a fitting legacy for a man so devoted to his community. Although I cannot be there, my heart grieves with you and I hope the many comforting words you hear and the memories shared of a life well lived will help to ease some of the sorrow in this tragedy.
Jim Bramble
April 17, 2013
This world was truly a better place for having Howard in it. His constant good cheer, his calm, direct and sound advice and his selfless connection to his community, which has enhanced not only the people who live in it, but all of those who come to visit it. His passing will be truly felt by all of us who have ever had the pleasure of knowing him and calling him friend. We have lost a true “gentle giant”.
Jim Bramble
April 17, 2013
This world was truly a better place for having Howard in it. His constant good cheer, his calm, direct and sound advice and his selfless connection to his community, which has enhanced not only the people who live in it, but all of those who come to visit it. His passing will be truly felt by all of us who have ever had the pleasure of knowing him and calling him friend. We have all lost a true “gentle giant”.
Billye Chabot
April 17, 2013
I am honored to have known and to have worked with Howard. He was dedicated to public service, a community leader and a good friend. I can't believe he is gone. I will miss him more than can be expressed.
Julie Conley Holcomb
April 17, 2013
I can't express how heavy our hearts are right now. Our best childhood memories are of the time we spent in Moravia and at the lake with our extended family. Howard is so intertwined into all of those memories. I know he was welcomed into Heaven by a million loving arms but we sure will miss him down here on earth! Please know that our hearts, prayers, and thoughts are with our family and all of Howard's friends.
Joanne, Julie & Jeff Conley
April 17, 2013
I am so sadden by this news. Howard was a wonderful childhood friend and shirt tail relative. He was always kind to us all and always happy. I have such fond memories of his entire family. My heart is heavy, yet full of wonderful memories. Prayer and thoughts to the family. Joanne Conley-Pease
Jeanne Petrella
April 17, 2013
I am saddened by the sudden loss of our colleague at M&T Bank. Howard was a trusted advisor, and deeply committed to the communities he lived and worked in. We will miss you tremendously. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
Mary Shuford
April 17, 2013
My deepest condolences to Howard's family. Howard's dedication to his family, his friends, and his community was an inspiration for all of us who knew and loved him. I will truly miss his friendship, his good humor, and his wise counsel.
Billy Kepner
April 17, 2013
Howard was a dedicated and kind philanthropist. I knew him, not well, but only from boards that he served. If he Howard was in, he was all in. I wish his family peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
Marie Garland
April 17, 2013
Howard's service to this community was unmatched. My condolences to his family and dear friends.
Terryn Kinney
April 17, 2013
Sending heartfelt condolences to Howard's family during this difficult time. His wonderful sense of humor and devotion to his community are the things I will remember most.
Bill and Verna Dugan
April 17, 2013
Howard was a welcome member of our family whenever he chose to visit. His presence will be sorely missed.
Bill and Verna Dugan
Ray and Susan Messenger
April 17, 2013
We trust the memories of happy times with Howard will keep his spirit alive for you.
Michele Foster-Howard
April 17, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of His passing, he was a kind and give his whole in everything that he did.He will be greatly missed my everyone who knew him. He is in Gods hands now and he has a plan for him. May the family take comfort in knowing that he is watching over them everyday. God Bless!
Marsha Eger
April 17, 2013
I am deeply saddened and send my condolences and prayers to Howard's family and dear friens. He will be missed. He was a wonderful person and a true community leader.
Debbie Bannister
April 17, 2013
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
April 17, 2013
My prayers are with you at this hour of your need. May Howard rest in peace.
Monica Merante, CNY Community Foundation
April 17, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Howard's family and friends. He was a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with on the the Cayuga Community Fund Leadership Council. I'm grateful to have known him. Peace to you.
tom whitfield
April 17, 2013
Howard will be sadly missed as he was a great guy always had time to talk to you when he saw you and always was in a good mood!!
Lynda Sovocool
April 17, 2013
Rest in peace Howard.
Jean Smith
April 17, 2013
So sorry for your loss.
Brian & Amy O'Donnell
April 17, 2013
Howard was a great man and a dear friend!! Weill miss him.
John OBrien
April 17, 2013
Howard you were a great man my prayers go out to the family.
Renee Hamilton
April 17, 2013
Will miss our chats with cocktails in hand. Your Jim Bean and my tequila. Many laughs and smiles over the years. Pete and I feel very lucky to be able to call you our friend. Cheers my friend.. Till we can toast again. Xo
Laurie Wood
April 17, 2013
Howard was a wonderful person and a valuable member of our community.Few people realized how much he contributed to others.He will be greatly missed.
He was always very kind to me.
My prayers go out to his family.I know he loved you all very much.
Jeri Hess
April 17, 2013
So sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with the family.Howard was a kind and giving man RIP Howard
Patricia & John Bowen
April 17, 2013
John and I are so sorry for your loss. We hope as time goes on you will remember the good times and smile when you think of him. We were honored to have as part of our community. Please know we are thinking of you all.
April 17, 2013
I remember howard when he worked in the kitchen at howd"s when he was in school we are sorry for your loss john and gloria pierce
April 17, 2013
Our condolences and prayers be with you. Friends at Owasco Meat
Lex and Flaminia Chutintaranond
April 16, 2013
We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our dear friend. Howard was a good, caring, and loving man. He leaves a void in our hearts and we will always remember him for his gentle smile and for the impeccable style with which he lived life.
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