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Robert Hartnett Obituary

Robert Hartnett Formerly of Redwood City Robert Hartnett, 85, died peacefully at his home in Napa on July 18, 2009. He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Lois Hartnett, and their four children, Patty (Jon) Stocum, Tom Hartnett, Helen (John) Sexton and Ginny (Ted) Ginn; 10 grandchildren, Lisa, Cathleen, Byron, Kenny, Dan, Lauren, Patrick, Madeleine, Lindsay and Sarah; and two brothers Dick & Jerry; and predeceased by brothers, Jack and Don Hartnett. Born in San Francisco in 1924 to John and Ann Hartnett, Bob grew up in Burlingame and attended Burlingame High. He served in the Navy during WWII on the USS Altamaha. Bob and Lois raised their family in Redwood City, residing there for over 30 years before moving to Napa for the last 14. Bob retired in 1979 as Chief of the Civil Division after 30 years with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department. Bob loved to travel with Lois in their trailer all over the country. He spent many summers at Lake Almanor teaching his grandchildren how to fish. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Napa Valley Hospice, 414 S Jefferson St. Napa, CA 94559, or a charity of your preference. A mass will be held in his honor at St. Apolinaris Catholic Church, 3700 Lassen St., Napa, CA on July 25, 2009 at 1 P.M. Arrangements are under the direction of Tulocay Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Inside Bay Area from Jul. 23 to Jul. 25, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hartnett

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Kathy McCreagh Kennedy

November 1, 2009

Dear Lois,
Please contact Helen McCreagh when you can. [email protected]
Please know that we share your sorrow and cherish happy memories of days gone by. Our love to you and your family.

July 28, 2009

hI lLOIS AND FAMILY, SO SORRY TO READ IN THE CHRONICLE THAT bOB IS NOW GONE, i AM SURE YOU WILL MISS HIM JUST AS i MISS MY bOB. YOU HAD A L ONG LIFE TOGETHER. AM LIVING IN mEDFORD OREGON FOR THE PAST 23 YEARS/ MY OLDEST daughter has been here for almost 30 years. If you are ever up this way call me , i am in the phone book. Love, barbara Esson

July 27, 2009

I had the privlege to work for Bob for many years at the Sheriff's Office. The Hartnett name was legendary for what he, and his brother Don, had done for law enforcement and the Sheriff's Office in San Mateo County. He was a great mentor. He was the last of the 'old school' in the best sense of service and duty.
Bill Pedrini, San Mateo

John Esson

July 24, 2009

Lois,
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Bob. The Hartnett family was my second family. all of them were the best ever. God Bless!!!

Carolyn Esson-Rickman

July 24, 2009

Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of you husband and father and grandpa. My dad Robert Esson grew up with him and they had a lot of good times together. May the Lord bring peace to your hearts knowing he is watching over your dad and husband. God Bless you all, Love, Carolyn & Ron Rickman

Steve Erickson

July 23, 2009

Lots of memories...from Teresa's first dinner with Ginny's mom and dad and her "I've never had real green beans before" comment to my burning rubber in my Mustang in the driveway at the Myrtle Street house in front of Bob (that sounds strange - he was always just "Ginny's dad", not Mr. Hartnett or even Bob). You will be missed but never forgotten.

Steve and Teresa Erickson

July 23, 2009

Dad, I miss you and I love you! Ginny

Caren Fiore

July 23, 2009

I liked to call him "Sheriff" - he was always good to me - in his own sometimes gruff style - with a big heart. He welcomed me into their home and I often looked to him and his wife as surrogate parents since I was so far away from my own across country. I met him when I was a fellow grad student with their sweet, smart daughter Ginny. I know she and the rest of their family will miss him terribly.
Go in peace.
Caren Fiore

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