Robert E. "Bob" Hartzell Jr.

84 years of age and resident of Whitehall, passed away on Wednesday April 15, 2026.

Born November 7, 1941 to Robert and Josephine (DeLucia) Hartzell of Allentown, Bob was raised alongside his twin brother, Richard. He was a lifelong member of the Lehigh Valley community and a devoted member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, where he served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and a dedicated Usher.

As a young man, Bob attended Sacred Heart School and was active in the Boy Scouts of America, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He was also encouraged early on to pursue music, developing a love for the trumpet. He played in both grade school and high school bands and, along with his brother, formed a dance band called "The Blendtones," performing throughout the Lehigh Valley during their high school and college years. One of their most memorable venues was Green Pines. Bob graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1959 and went on to Temple University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1964.

Bob dedicated his life to serving others through his profession. In 1968, he purchased Sterner's Pharmacy at Front and Pine Streets in Catasauqua and reopened it as Hartzell's Pharmacy. Over the years, he grew and expanded the business to include home medical equipment in the 1980s, natural supplements, nutrition, and compounding in the 1990s, and immunizations in the 2000s—moving locations in 1978 and again in 2003 to support that growth. He served as president until 2012, when he passed the reins to his son. Bob remained a trusted and familiar face to generations of customers, and even after retiring in 2020, he continued to be present—offering guidance, stocking shelves, sharing stories, and greeting everyone who walked through the door.

Bob was deeply involved in local athletics, both as a participant and a coach. He was active in youth community athletic associations and coached youth basketball and baseball, mentoring countless young athletes over the years. An avid competitor, he loved golf, basketball, softball, and any game he could turn into a competition. Alongside his twin brother Richard, he organized weekly golf outings, pickup basketball games, and softball teams, often competing well into his later years—even against his sons' friends. His passion for sports and competition was something he proudly passed down to his children and grandchildren.

Family was at the center of Bob's life. He cherished time spent with loved ones—especially around the holidays, visiting family and friends, and continuing the tradition of weekly dinners with his Father. He also forged lifelong friendships that began in high school, many of which remained an important part of his life. Together with his twin brother Richard, he helped organize Christmas caroling, shore vacations, and countless gatherings that brought their families together. The twins made it a priority that their families grew up side by side, truly as one extended family. As he became a grandfather and great-uncle, the joy of his life was sharing his hobbies, his time, and his love with the next generation.

Bob also had a lifelong love of toy trains, a hobby inspired by his father and uncles. His basement housed an extensive collection, and each Christmas season featured not just one, but multiple train displays—bringing joy to family and friends alike. He shared his love of trains, the Phillies, and his interest in nutrition with everyone he met.

Bob was also a devoted godfather to many, including his four nieces who viewed him as a second father—a role he embraced with love, guidance, and unwavering support.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Janet Louise Haas Hartzell of Whitehall; his daughter, Brenda (Steve) Ransdell of Eldersburg, MD; his sons, Vincent (Kristen) Hartzell of Bethlehem, PA, and Brian (Amanda) Hartzell of Quakertown, PA; his twin brother, Richard V. Hartzell and his wife, Anna Marie; and his cherished grandchildren, Lauren (Robert) Curtis, Emma Hartzell, Alisa Hartzell, Taylor Hartzell, Logan Hartzell, and Cooper Hartzell.

He will be remembered for his dedication to family, his faith in God, his competitive spirit, his generosity, and the countless lives he touched throughout his years. His legacy will live on through the family he loved and the community he served.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Father Joseph J. Kweder on Thursday April 23, 2026 at Noon in Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church 618 Fullerton Avenue, Whitehall, PA 18052, where his viewing will begin at 10:30 am.

Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Memorial Park Allentown.

For those who wish to honor Bob with a Memorial Contribution, his family suggests a donation to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church 618 Fullerton Ave. Whitehall, PA 18052 online at www.sercc.org or Tunnels to Towers Foundation 2361 Hyland Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306 online at www.t2t.org

The Gilbert Funeral Home of Whitehall
is honored to handle his arrangements