Douglas Arthur Hartman

Douglas Arthur Hartman, age 86, of Atlantic Beach, FL, passed away on December 30, 2024. Douglas was born in Baltimore, MD on April 25, 1938 to William Arthur Hartman and Ruth Bayrle Hartman. Douglas' career in the candy industry began in 1967 in Brooklyn, New York, where he worked as an industrial operations engineer for Y&S Candies, the makers of Twizzlers. When Y&S Candies was acquired by Hershey Foods in 1977, Douglas played a key role in the transition, contributing to the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Over the years, he rose to the position of Director of Manufacturing for Hershey Chocolate North America. Among his notable achievements were the implementation of the Quality Through Excellence (QTE) program, which enhanced operational efficiency and product quality, and the introduction of advanced automation to the production lines, setting new standards for the industry. Douglas retired in 2003, concluding a distinguished 35-year career in the candy industry. Douglas leaves behind a sister, Marion Anderson of Rockville, MD. Surviving Douglas are eight children, Elizabeth A. Hartman- Ferris of Atlantic Beach, FL, Virginia R. Hartman, of Santa Cruz, CA, Valerie J. Herwood of Atlantic Beach, FL, Laura L. McGill, of Atlantic Beach, FL, Jennifer L. Pasquale, of Sinking Spring, PA, Stephanie M. Hartman, of Lancaster, PA, Leslie M. Hartman, of Lancaster, PA, and Frank W. Hartman, of Rockville, MD. Additionally, there are 9 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Please visit his online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com. Arrangements by Quinn Shalz Funeral Home.