Commander Robert M Hartian

Commander Robert M Hartian, 94, of Buffalo Grove, IL, passed away on January 31, 2026.

He was born in Boston, MA, the eldest son of Michael and Myrtle Hartian. He was preceded in death by beloved sister Arlene and is survived by brother Richard.

He earned a BS degree from Boston University in 1953. His tuition may or may not have been supplemented through the unwitting support of his Irish buddies at the gas company; he was a master at cribbage.

During his distinguished Navy career, he had opportunities that took him from behind-the-scenes work to moments in the public eye. He authored the inscription for the dedication plaque at the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii-seen by millions of visitors-and escorted visiting celebrities, including Elvis Presley. He served in Saigon during the Vietnam War.

After retiring from the Navy, he served in a public relations role for the Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago.

He was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Buffalo Grove.

In later years, he proudly participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., a memorable tribute to his service.

He is survived by his three children: Robert Hartian Jr. (Sonja), Richard Hartian (Bonnie), and Karen Powers (Jeffrey).
And by his grandchildren:
Michael, Rachel, Robin (Dylan);
Kenna, Eliana, Brynn, Ricky;
Kali, Skyla, Lucas, Jaiden.

The family expresses much gratitude to the staff of "The Greenhouse" at the James A. Lovell Veterans Hospital in North Chicago for their very kind attention and care during Commander Hartian's final years.