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Joseph Hartlaub Obituary
Joe graduated from the University of Akron in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science (Accounting) and obtained a Juris Doctorate from the University of Akron School of Law in 1977, when he began a legal career spanning five decades. The majority of his 48 years in practice were devoted to entertainment law, thanks in no small part to Joe's lifelong love of music and the written word. He took great pleasure in helping his clients and worked tirelessly on their behalf.
In addition to his legal career, Joe was proud to spend 24 years as a writer for BookReporter.com and also enjoyed over a decade as a writer for the KillZoneBlog.com. The humor, honesty, and fairness in Joe's writing were popular with readers and appreciated throughout the publishing industry, where he met so many people he admired and respected. Joe even became a published writer himself, thanks to a gift for storytelling already missed by family and friends.
A devoted father and grandfather, Joe was always ready to offer his support and advice. He loved nothing more than spending time with his granddaughter and sharing his sharp wit and unique sense of humor with family and friends. His kindness and generosity cannot be replaced and will not be forgotten.
Joe is survived by his children, Joseph Hartlaub of Columbus, Michael Hartlaub of Columbus, Ashley Hartlaub of Circleville, Ohio, and Annalisa Hartlaub of Hillsborough, North Carolina; cherished granddaughter, Samantha Filip of Columbus; brother and best friend Christopher (Vicki) Hartlaub of Rittman, Ohio; sister Deborah (Luis) Rosa of Hancock, New Hampshire; special great aunt Sandella Goson of Laguna Woods, California; special second cousins Sandi Gorup of Simi Valley, California and Jimmy Goson of Laguna Miguel, California; a blessing of special cousins, nephews, nieces, and other relatives, treasured friends, and fellow troublemaker Bill Plant of Akron, Ohio. Joe also leaves behind his beloved New Orleans, Louisiana and all of the wonderful people he met there over the years. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by friend and mentor Dr. Leon Bombet of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
In accordance with Joe's wishes, no services will be held. Donations to your local animal shelter are appreciated.
"'C'est la vie,' say the old folks, 'It goes to show you never can tell.'"
-Chuck Berry
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Hartlaub
Betsy Bulgrin
December 31, 2025
Dear Joseph, Mike, Ashley, Annalisa and Samantha,
I am so sorry for your loss. I was searching for him to wish him a Happy New Year since not hearing from him on our birthdays when we always talked. I met your Dad and Grandfather in 1972 working at WRHA, the University of Akron radio station where Joe was the music manager. He got me on as a regular DJ by the on air name of Liz.
He always had a smile, a joke, a look that´d make you laugh. Funny, smart, a poet and friend, I am grateful I knew him.
I´m sorry for such late condolences,
Betsy Bulgrin
Richard Windmann
September 12, 2025
I just found out about the passing of my music attorney, agent, manager, and dear friend Joe Hartlaub. Over the years, he called me on my birthday every year, 27 years, and serenaded me with the Happy Birthday song. He was quite the story-teller and mentor in my life and profession. We had the best times attending conferences, shows, and dinners in New Orleans. He was authentic, vibrant, a true gentleman with a sharp mind and wicked tongue - not to mention a fabulous author and literary reviewer himself. Repose en paix mon frère.
Jeff Patrick
September 5, 2025
I just now discovered that Joe had passed away. So very sad and shocked to hear about this, and sorry that I found out months after the fact. Joe was a good friend that I had lost touch with outside of Facebook, and I will always remember him for his great kindness and wonderful sense of humor. My condolences and prayers to his family. He is greatly missed by all of us who knew him.
Debbie Burke
July 6, 2025
I met Joe through his wise, imaginative, humorous posts on The Kill Zone. Years ago, he critiqued an anonymously submitted first page from my novel in progress. At the time, rejections were piling up and I was discouraged. Joe's kind, empathetic suggestions and gracious encouragement kept me going through those days.
We struck up an enduring email friendship. Unfortunately we never met face to face, only through zoom. But he remains embedded in my heart as a good friend who helped me in time of need.
Samantha, he spoke often of you, proudly sharing your accomplishments. As a truly caring grandfather, he worried over your future and how to best prepare you for a safe, fulfilling life. I'm glad you have the memories of his lessons to guide you through the challenges of life ahead.
Debbie Burke, friend and blogmate on The Kill Zone
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Michael Garrett
July 4, 2025
Goodbye, my friend. There's a hole in my heart that I cannot begin to describe. I miss your wisdom and your sharp humor. As one of the most intelligent individuals I've ever know, I highly valued your opinion.
You changed my life.
You were truly one of a kind.
Jeff Gelb
July 4, 2025
I´ve known Joe since high school. We fell out of touch for many years but happily found each other again in the 1990s. I treasure every moment of our friendship. He was such a wonderful guy. Quirky as the day is long but only in good ways. I trusted his opinions and appreciated very much his depth of knowledge. There´s not a day that goes by that I don´t think about something I would love to share with Joe. My wife and I were beginning to plot and Ohio trip for next year. What a shame we will never have that opportunity again. If one of his children would like to reach out to me, I would like to continue this discussion. You can find me on Facebook in Phoenix, Arizona.
Justin Murphy
June 25, 2025
As writers, we became close over the years and exchanged many emails. He not only recommended me for a short story contest (which I didn't win), but was there for me when my grandmother passed several years ago. This is a tough one.
I last received an email from him May 28th, only to discover he died the next day. It's sad we didn't get to talk further. In one of our last emails, he discussed learning how to play "When The Saints Go Marching In" on the piano as well as his past playing guitar in local bands. We both mentioned our love for cooking Zatarain's and his past trips to New Orleans. As well as his love for music from Memphis and Mississippi. He also called me "an observant fellow" and sent me hilarious articles on women getting too close to Bison at Yellowstone, being mauled and trampled as a result.
One of the last things he told me "You and your family have had more than your fair share of challenges, but reading between the lines of your accounts of daily living, I take the sense that you mom is strong, wonderful person and she has two terrific sons. The three of you help and love each other. That is more than many, many people have. Stay the course and thanks for being my friend." He sent this to me after checking on us and asking "Are you OK?" when a storm hit a nearby area. My response in the subject line was, "For a tender hearted Catholic lawyer who cares". To clarify, I'm a disabled adult with Cerebral Palsy helping my mother care for an Autistic adult brother.
He also relayed having chest pains and that his ex-girlfriend was dying from cancer. Joe remained in touch with her, but was having difficulty. As well as having chest pains and would be getting medical exams. Yet was overjoyed over his granddaughter's graduation. In his couple of emails, he concluded "Love to you and your family" and "Thx Brother".
I love you too, Joe. Thanks for all you shared with me and I wish you still were here.
Stephen Juliano
June 12, 2025
Horrible news that
i just seen on the Net
My Full condolences go out to Joe´s Children a
And Grand
Child ! This is a complete Shock to hear ! Joe was a True and Trustworthy Friend and will be missed greatly as
We talked on many issues
Peggy Cohen
June 4, 2025
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I graduated with Joe, but did not really know him. We reconnected after 50 some years via another classmate. Theresa, Joe and I would meet a few times a year and talk about all kinds of things. He was such a storehouse of knowledge. I just loved his personality and the fact that he was so intelligent. I am sure you are grieving your loss, but I hope your memories of your father will get you through this difficult time.
Frank Laatsch
June 2, 2025
I always wish I knew what to say when confronted with the grief of losing a friend. I'll miss ya' Joe. I'll celebrate my next dinner at Galatoire's to honor you.
Scott Denis
June 2, 2025
My condolences to Joe's family and friends. Joe and I met in 5th grade, St. Agatha's. I lost contact with him after he moved North. Then after about 40 years he connected with my family in Columbus, and U would get together with him whenever I would get back to visit. He was a master storyteller, and fun to be around, and loved that creole food! He will be missed by the Denis clan. The picture is of the St Agatha boys, who still get together.
Glodean Robinson
June 2, 2025
Always a friend never met a stranger loved his family.
St. Vincent Class of 1969
June 2, 2025
The St Vincent Class of 1969 wishes to extend their deepest sympathy to Joe's family. Joe will always be remembered and missed. RIP Joe.
Terry Roten Fail
June 1, 2025
Mike, Joe Jr, Ashley, Annalisa and Samantha,
I am so sorry for your loss . Your Dad and Grandpa was one of my dearest friends. He loved you all so very much and was full of love and pride every time he talked about his kids and of course Samantha. Please accept our deepest sympathy and our love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
Terry and Ric Fail
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