Edward Mathew Hartman, Jr. April 2, 1948 – June 4, 2025
Edward “Ed” Hartman, Jr., also known as Fast Eddy, #38A, and JS Puck, of Derby Line, Vermont, peacefully passed from this world with a heart full of love, a mind full of stories, and—no doubt—a to-do list he still thought he could finish.
Born on April 2, 1948, Ed grew up in Berlin, Vermont, with his parents, Dorothy and Edward Sr., and his sisters Kathy Pelletier (Charlie), Pat Hartman (Chet Brownell), and Chris Hartman. Taught by his father, Ed became a skilled builder and master carpenter. Together, they constructed many homes in the Montpelier area. In addition to carpentry, he was a savvy car mechanic who spent his early years rebuilding $20 cars—a talent he continued to use for decades to keep the family fleet running. Spray painting his teenager’s car matte white in the front yard was the only time his auto repair skills were not so appreciated.
Ed earned a B.A. from the University of Vermont in 1970 and a Master of Education from Lyndon State. He worked at Northeast Kingdom Human Services before becoming the beloved guidance counselor at Derby Elementary School. There, he built birdhouses, picnic tables, and storage sheds with students—not just as projects, but as therapy. His calm presence, steady advice, storytelling, and country music made a lasting impact on generations of children.
In his younger years, Ed tore around Thunder Road and Riverside Speedway in Groveton, racing stock cars. He proudly won the very first Demolition Derby at the Barton Fair in front of 6,000 fans. A Harley-Davidson enthusiast, Ed even renovated the house so one of his bikes could live indoors with him.
He never missed a game his kids played, no matter the distance, and was proud to be named Falcon Fan of the Year. A dedicated fisherman, he spent countless summer days on Lake Memphremagog with his children, always hoping for the next big catch.
But hockey was Ed’s greatest sports love. He spent years at rinks across Vermont and Canada with Jalali and then Emile, including many summers at Andrews Hockey Camp in PEI. He believed hockey could unite the world. Though a lifelong Habs fan, Ed eventually (and reluctantly) shifted allegiances when Emile began working for the Carolina Hurricanes—though he kept a Canadiens sticker on his red GMC truck for years.
He knew the lyrics to every song he’d ever heard and loved showing off on long road trips in overloaded vehicles packed with kids, camping gear, and tools for the inevitable breakdown. There was truly nothing “Mr. Fix-It” couldn’t fix. His motto might have been function over form—it wasn’t always pretty, but it was always sturdy.
Above all else, Ed loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Betsy, and his five children: Radiance Vafai (husband Shahin; grandchildren Munir, Bashir, and Nabil), Jalali, Anna Dyer (husband Kelly; grandchildren Brooke, Sasha, and Celia), Julia Sumner (husband Tom; grandchildren Hadrian, Pharah, and Niri), and Emile.
Donations may be made in Ed’s honor to the Haskell Free Library in Derby Line or to a charity of your choice. Or, in true Ed fashion, honor him by sharing a Mountain Dew (Code Red, of course), telling a great story, or finally tackling that project you’ve been putting off.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 11AM at the Derby Line Cemetery on Baxter Avenue, followed by an ice cream social for all family and friends at the Derby Line Town Hall.
Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.
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