Robert L. Hartzell

HARTZELL, Dr. Robert L., passed away, April 14, 2006, at Oak Hill hospital. Dr. Hartzell was the first optometrist in West Pasco. He practiced in New Port Richey from 1952, until his retirement in 1984. He was born in Dayton, Ohio March 4, 1917. Dr. Hartzell attended Ohio State University, then transferred and graduated from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn. In World War II, Dr. Hartzell was a 1st Sgt. with the anti-aircraft fire patrol in the South Pacific. He was stationed in New Guinea for most of his overseas duty. Prior to his overseas assignment, he was air instructor at the Mississippi Ordinance Plant at Jackson, Miss. Before World War II, Dr. HartzelI had been a purchasing agent for General Motors. Due to malaria, he contracted overseas, he felt he would be better off in a warm climate. He settled in New Port Richey, which he always considered paradise. He was an avid golfer and fisherman. In the mid-fifties, he was elected to the city council in Port Richey, and in 1959 was asked to fill the unexpired term of Port Richey city councilman Daughterty. Dr. HartzelI was also past chairman of the Board of Adjustment of Port Richey. and a long time member of the Lion's Club, serving on the site conservation committee. He was a mason and a Shriner, a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and was a member of the Delta Chapter of Phi Theta, a social fraternity of his Alma Mater, SCO. Dr. Hartzell was the recipient of the Greater New Port Richey Chamber of Commerce, "Citizen of the Year" award, in 1971. Dr. Hartzell was also a three-term member and chairman of the Pasco County School Board. Dr. Hartzell also served on the New Port Richey Library Board from 1955 until 2004. Dr. Hartzell was a widower, after 65 years of marriage, to his wife Helen. He is survived by his son, Dr. Robert L. Hartzell Jr. of Spring Hill and two granddaughters, Amelia and Amanda. He will be missed by his family and friends. Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, April 22, 2006, at the North/ Meadowlawn Funeral Home, 4244 Madison Street, New Port Richey, Fla. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Dr. Robert Hartzell scholarship fund, New Port Richey Library. Arrangements are under the direction of the North/ Meadowlawn Funeral Home, New Port Richey, Fla.