Gerald Donald Hartsel

Gerald Donald Hartsel “Gary” passed peacefully in his sleep while at home in Fort Worth, Texas on July 17, 2025 at the age of 86.

Born on November 20, 1938 in Canton, OH to beloved parents Verna Elizabeth (Bartus) and Donald Ray Hartsel, he was older brother to Gordon and Donna. Gary graduated from Columbia University and was a civil engineer. Serving in the U.S. Navy, Lieutenant JG Gerald Hartsel was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. He later earned an M.B.A. from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business.

Upon marrying the love of his life, Anne Marie (Gagnon) of Mt. Vernon, NY, in 1969, the couple soon settled in Texas to start a family, and Gary spent the majority of his career in commercial real estate development with the Haydn Cutler Company. A man of strong faith, Gary continued to diligently grow as a Christian through Bible Study Fellowship until his last days, a legacy he has passed down to his children and grandchildren. Gary will be fondly remembered for his sarcastic wit and a jovial nature that were frequently the life of any party. He was a culinary aficionado and particularly enjoyed baking sweets from old family recipes. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Gary is survived by his brother Gordon “Corky” Hartsel of Canton, OH; son, Justin Donald Hartsel of Herndon, VA and grandchildren Nathan and Andrew; his daughter Nicole Hartsel Firestone of Fort Worth, TX and grandchildren Lilah, Lane, Harvey and Harper; five nephews and a niece.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at St. Andrew Catholic Church at 1:30 pm, followed by interment at Greenwood Memorial Park.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Gerald’s memory to the American Stroke Association (www.stroke.org) or Bible Study Fellowship (www.bsfinternational.org)