Joseph Blair Hartman

1945 - 2018

Joseph Blair Hartman, 73, of Ford City (Pattonville), passed away on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, at his home in Ford City (Pattonville), after a long battle with prostate cancer.

He was born on Oct. 17, 1945, and was the son of the late William and Marjorie Toy-Hartman. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara (Stevenish) Hartman; his two sons, William Hartman and Gary (Lori) Hartman; his two daughters, Kimberly (Jesse) Litteck and Wynn (Jeff) Yassem; and his 10 grandchildren, Joseph (Kayla) Cravenor, Deva (Matt) Novak, Destiny Cravenor, Rory Lockhart, Cody Hartman, Aspen Hartman, Allie Hartman, Cade Hartman, Ethan Yassem, and Sienna Yassem. He is also survived by his seven great- grandchildren, Derek Cravenor, Trayton Cravenor, Emma Cravenor, Chase Cravenor, Cash Cravenor, Joseph Cravenor, and Nate Novak; his three brothers, Larry (Pat) Hartman, of Ford City, Gary Hartman, of Butler, John (Debbie) Hartman, of Craigsville; his sister, Dona (Larry) Julius, of Kittanning; and numerous nieces, nephews, and others whom he recognized as family.

Joe was employed as a painter at Pullman Standard in Butler, for 18 years until they closed. He then opened Hartman & Sons Painting. After running his own business for 25 years he retired. He also owned and operated a gym in Ford City, for many years (The Weight Room).

Joe's greatest joys in life were his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many others who considered him a best friend. He was an avid hunter, trapper, and dog trainer. He hunted for elk and deer on 19 occasions out west with his sons, grandsons, and friends. He was well known for training hunting dogs, having state champions, both Beagles and Walker coonhounds. Joe was a member of the Armstrong County Coon Hunters Association for 40 years, and president for 15 years. Joe taught many kids in the area to hunt and quickly assumed the role of a father figure to them. He loved people and was loved by everyone that knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Teresa Diane Hartman; and his brother, William "Unc" Hartman.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018 at 2 p.m. for family and close friends only. Pastor Larry Kraus will be officiating at Church of Christ, 213 Blaney Road Kittanning, Pa. 16201. Jackie's Flowers & Gift Shop in Kittanning, will be handling all floral arrangements. Professional Services Trusted to Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home & Crematory, Ltd. (Blawnox) www.thomasmsmithfh.com.