John M. Hartke, who went by Jack, 80, of Havertown, PA, died peacefully on January 1, 2026. He spent the last days of his life surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born in Philadelphia on March 24, 1945, to Martin and K. Adair Hartke, and grew up in Silver Spring, MD. He attended St. John’s College High School in Washington, DC, before studying psychology at La Salle University. He earned his Ph.D. in psychology from Temple University. He worked for years as a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, and he was truly passionate about his work. He had a lifelong love of reading. Having learned to ski in the Alps as a young adult, he enjoyed sharing that pastime with his children. He greatly enjoyed travelling, but his favorite destination was the family vacation to the Outer Banks, NC, every summer.
He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his wife of 55 years, Marie, he is survived by his children: Megan Foytack and her husband Geoff (of West Chester), Katie Hartke Quinn and her husband Ryan (of New York City), and Amy Talley and her husband Bob (of Phoenixville); his brother: Dave Hartke and wife Sarah (of Havertown); his grandchildren: Brady and Emma Foytack, Zoe Quinn, and Declan and Miles Talley; as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin J. and K. Adair Hartke, and his sister, Barbara Hartke Krell.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, at 10 AM with a funeral mass immediately following at 11 AM at Annunciation BVM Church at 401 Brookline Boulevard in Havertown. Interment will be private.
Jack’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Woodbridge Assisted Living Facility and Compassus Hospice for all their exceptional care and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at www.theaftd.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreSponsored