William L. Hartz

1944 - 2025

William L. Hartz died peacefully after a long illness on September 16th, 2025.

Born in Philmont, NY to Marguerite and Ernest Hartz, he grew up on Long Island and graduated from Mepham High School. After graduation he followed his adventurous spirit to California where he took up surfing. He returned to New York after the Kennedy Assassination.

Bill married Linda Eastman and together they raised 3 children. A skilled machinist, he worked on the Grumman Lunar module and the Tomcat Fighter Jet. He continued his career with several companies and retired from Quality Control at NSK. He followed with Part time work at Bond Auto.

Deeply involved in his children's lives, he was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, earning recognition for crafting award winning Pinewood Derby cars.

Bill was a passionate history buff, particularly fascinated by Lincoln and the Civil War, He and Linda, who pre-deceased him in 2015, shared a love of square dancing travels which brought them to Vermont in 1996 to live.

Bill found joy in wood-working, golf, football and cooking. He was always eager to share a recipe with anyone who would listen. A lifelong animal lover, he had a special love of cats. In Bennington he was a member of Old First Church where he was a Deacon and Mission Advocate, prior to his illness.

He is survived by his children Lori Clune, William E. Hartz and Christopher Hartz: his sister Carolyn (Cookie) Barret; his grandchildren Ryan and Connor Clune, Kaitlin and James Hartz and Brianna and Selena Hartz; and his longtime partner, Susan Katz.

A memorial service will be held Saturday October 18th at 11:00 at Old First Church in Bennington with a luncheon to follow at the Barn. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Old First Church in Bill's memory.