John Edward Hartnett

John Edward Hartnett, C.P.D., of Chicago's Edgebrook neighborhood, born into eternal life June 20, 2005, beloved husband of Norma, nee Staed; loving father of Margaret ''Peggy'' (Theodore) Valavanis, the late Daniel Hartnett; Laura (Mark) Miller, Matthew (Amy) Fitzgerald and Christopher Fitzgerald; devoted grandfather of Megan, Daniel and Catherine Valavanis, Olivia and Robert Fitzgerald, Michael and Shannon Miller; dear great-grandfather of Justin Parker; loving brother of the late Marie (late Herbert) Hoeschen; beloved uncle of the late John Hoeschen; fond brother-in-law of Thomas (Barbara) Staed. John was born July 9, 1925 to the late Marie and the late Edward Hartnett, C.P.D. Growing up in the West Side's Resurrection Parish, he was also known fondly as ''Ed''. He excelled in his studies and at football at St. Ignatius High School. Due to World War II, his schooling ended with graduation. However, his combat service with the U.S. Navy's amphibious forces in the Pacific Theater of operation strengthened his commitment to helping those in need. Soon after leaving the service, John followed his father's footsteps and joined the Chicago Police Department. Starting as a Patrolman, he was made a Sergeant in 1960 and a Lieutenant in 1961. His diligence and honesty caught the eye of Superintendent Orlando W. Wilson, who himself was recruited to improve and modernize the department by the late Mayor Richard J. Daley. In 1962, John became a Captain and was appointed a District Commander later the same year. He became Assistant Deputy Superintendent in 1965 and Deputy Chief a year later. At the time of his Captain and Assistant Deputy Superintendent appointments, he was the youngest person ever to serve in those positions. Over the years, John commanded the 9th, 12th and 20th District, Robbery Division, Youth Division and Areas 4, 6 and 12. Ultimately, he served 26 years as Captain, the longest such tenure in the C.P.D. up to that time. John's service earned many accolades. Among them was the Merit Award from the Chicago Crime Commission honoring his service fighting street crime. John's efforts also commanded media attention. In 1965, the Chicago Tribune Sunday Magazine's cover article ''Commander Hartnett's Jungle'' highlighted his and his officers' efforts to fight the criminals victimizing an impoverished disadvantaged area. In 1968, John (along with fellow Deputy Chief Frank Lavelle) was featured on the cover of Life Magazine for a story on law and order. While his career frequently merited favorable attention, John always deferred credit to the men and women of the Chicago Police Department with whom he proudly served. John's career duties included everything from patrolling the beat to leading major C.P.D. divisions. Among his most interesting assignments were being in charge of security for the Amphitheatre during the 1968 Democratic National Convention and maintaining order during many of the largest, most volatile demonstrations and marches during the Civil Rights era. John's duties included happy events as well as tragedies. Notables he escorted included Queen Elizabeth II, several Presidents and Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon. John stayed active during his retirement years with the Chicago Police Department Captain's Association. Despite the demands of John's police work, he always made time for his family. He gave love, care and guidance. As was his way, his actions and conduct spoke louder than his words. John provided his family, and many others, a shining example of humility and calmness, love and caring, as well as honor and integrity. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., to St. Mary of the Woods Roman Catholic Church, 7000 block of N. Hiawatha Avenue, Chicago, for Mass at 11 a.m. Interment at Maryhill Cemetery, Niles. Visitation Thursday from 3 to 9 p.m. Memorials may be made to Misericordia Home, 6300 N. Ridge Blvd., Chicago, IL 60660. 773-736-3833.