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Rome Hartman Obituary
Mr. Hartman, who was born in Cincinnati and who came to Palm Beach County after World War II, was a radio reporter, a television personality and later a radio station owner.
Mr. Hartman spent 35 years at WIRK-AM and became known as "the sports voice of the Palm Beaches" during the 1940s and 1950s.
He broadcasted Palm Beach High School football games featuring standout running back Buddy Reynolds - later known as movie star Burt Reynolds - and spring-training games from West Palm Beach Municipal Stadium.
Mr. Hartman also was one of the first personalities to appear on WIRK's local television station, UHF Channel 21, which went on the air Sept. 13, 1953 He hosted sports, fishing and auction shows.
"It was a skeleton staff, and we didn't have a lot of luxuries, but we had some fun," Mr. Hartman told The Post in September 2000.
The fun ended Feb. 29, 1956, when the station went off the air because of debt problems. Those problems, however, were a boon for Mr. Hartman.
"One of the silent owners was disenchanted, and I was able to buy him out," Mr. Hartman told The Post.
Mr. Hartman went back to work at WIRK radio as a part-owner. The partners later started an FM radio station. They sold both radio stations in 1983.
Mr. Hartman is survived by his wife of 64 years, Esther, and five children, including his son, Rome Hartman, who is the executive producer for Rock Center with Brian Williams, the NBC News newsmagazine that will debut Oct. 31.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday at St. Juliana Catholic Church in West Palm Beach. Quattlebaum Funeral Home in West Palm Beach is handling arrangements.
Memories and Condolences
for Rome Hartman
36 Entries
I will miss my High School friend Britton Ave Cincinnati Ohio. Many years of friendship...hope to see next time .
Howard Maue
June 22, 2014
James Kaywell
November 7, 2011
Dear Hartman Family:
God bless you all in your time of sorrow. While it has been many years since I have seen any of the Hartman family personally, you are all fondly remembered and much respected.
Joe Aponte
November 5, 2011
Sincerest condolences to the entire Hartman family. Rome Hartman was a true gentleman, and will be missed the community. Have not seen you Teresa in so many years, sorry to hear of your loss.
Dave wilde
October 31, 2011
Dear Hartman Family,
I will never forget the times I spent at my grandparents house and Rome and I would be playing in the street and Mr. Hartman would pull up from work and hand us a bunch of 45's from his radio station. The Beatles, Beach Boys, and many more. It was Christmas everyday.
He was a great guy and I will never forget him!!
God Bless.
Dave Wilde and Family
Betty Pyfrin-Schwartz
October 30, 2011
Dear Hartman Family,
I was Teresa's 'Big Sister' at Rosarian Academy in 1964. I always remember how beautiful your family was and I wished I could be a part of it. Hope you have many wonderful memories.
Paulette Lewis
October 27, 2011
Dear Family,
Thanks for the memories... I was Kathy's "Little Sister @Rosarian Academy in 1965...
and this year 2010 saw Mr. and Mrs. Hartman holding hands at St. Juliana's Church!...as Mr. Hartman said...with "The Prettiest Girl" he knew!
What great Examples of Family you are!
Paulette and The Phil Lewis Families!
Carl & Elizabeth Hussey
October 25, 2011
?Dear Esther & Children:
Coming of age in the same neighborhood, I had the privilege of knowing Rome as my dear neighbor and substitute father upon my Dad’s passing in 2000. He was my co-pilot on our last Spiritual Retreat trip to Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center in September 2005. And Betty and I cannot say enough about the joy in our hearts when we met him and Esther at Daily Mass during this year!
The Hartman Kids
October 23, 2011
Thank you to the many friends and family members who have reached out to our mom and us since dad died. It has been a great source of strength and comfort to see many of you, read your words of encouragement and hear your stories about dad. He was a wonderful man, husband, father, and member of the community, and will be greatly missed.
with his brother Jerry, 2011
October 23, 2011
a diehard Dolphins fan! (circa 1994)
October 23, 2011
enjoying his Florida home
October 23, 2011
the early days...1947
October 23, 2011
Fr. Jim O'Neal
October 18, 2011
Well done good and faithful servant! Blest are those who die in the Lord, for their good deeds go with them! Thank you for the selfless service which you gave to our country, your family and our community of West Pakn Beach! You made a difference with your life. I am glad that I knew you. I will offere Mass for you and the entire family this coming weekend at St, Juliana's. Requescat in pace!
Michael (Mike) Burke
October 17, 2011
Mrs. (Esther) Hartman & Family,
I'm so overcome with emotion right now, I can hardly write these words. It was Rome, Sr. who gave the okay for me to "hang around" WIRK while attending Leonard High and for that experience I'll be ETERNALLY greatful. In part it's because of Mr. Hartman's genuine support and interest my 34 years in radio have been founded on passion and pride.
I'd call Mr. Hartman EVERYTIME when visiting my parents in West Palm Beach. Rome was a mentor, friend, and one of my surrogate broadcasting Dads. His knowledge and wisdom has left an indelible impression on my life. I offer prayers, love and condolences. We have lost another "Champion for Good".
Cindy & Steve Weissmann
October 17, 2011
Dear Hartman Family,
Uncle Rome will be greatly missed. He is now with his sisters and parents who are all now at peace. My prayers go out to all of you. I seny you my sympathy and love.
Charles Stevens
October 16, 2011
Ester: I am very sorry about Rome. I knew Rome from ST. Margaret's and knew you very well. I also lived on Watterson St. when you did and Ralph and I played together when I lived there. i remember you as a very pretty girl. You may not remember me because that was about 74 years ago and I believe that was the last time I saw both of you(1937)before my folks moved to Walnut Hills. I am now 85 and so far really ok. , and living in Bradenton, Fla. Again, I am sorry to hear abour Rome and God bless you.
Charles Stevens, Bradenton, Fla.
October 16, 2011
Sorry to hear of you loss. He is loved by everyone. He was also a great friend. May God Bless You and Your Family. Dan Catalfumo and Family.
Ada Feldman
October 16, 2011
What a remarkably happy life and PERSON, wish I'd known him. We are in Bradenton, Florida after all our early years in Cincinnati. Needing to check the obituaries regularly, I am pleased to read this happy person's story. God bless all of you Hartmans - Ada Feldman
October 16, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
October 15, 2011
Ester, Ginnie and family
God bless you and give you strength in your time of sorrow. Rome was a wonderful man and an honor to know.
Jerry & Grace Higgins
Theresa LePore
October 14, 2011
Mrs Hartman and Rome Jr, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss his "message from Rome" at St Juliana's although it had been a while due to his illness. May God bless you all. Theresa
October 14, 2011
Esther, Ginnie and family
God bless you and Rome, a real gentleman.
Edward and Julie Downey
Dalia Patterson
October 14, 2011
Dear Ginny,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you and your family, your dad is watching over you all.
Most sincerely,
Dalia
Gladys Van Otteren
October 14, 2011
Dear Mrs. Hartman and Ginny,
I am so sad to hear of Mr. Hartman's death. What a great man! He was always so wonderful to Karl and me and all of our kids. St. Juliana's won't be the same without him. Love and prayers to you and yours,
Gladys Doerschuck Van Otteren and Karl Van Otteren
Dana Park Pope
October 14, 2011
Dear Ginnie, thank you for a lifelong friendship that made me feel like I was part of your family. I have many memories of your dad, and all of them are of a kind man who was patient with you and me as we grew up, and genuinely interested in my life as I became an adult. My heart goes out to you and all of your family.
Hank & Janis Breuer
October 14, 2011
With heavy hearts we send our deepest sympathy on the passing of Uncle Rome. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Mary Lu Workman
October 14, 2011
Rome was like an Uncle to the Rowan's. He and Esther were always a huge part of my parents' celebrations, especially their 60th wedding anniversary. He made it so special when he acted as the Master of Ceremonies. Rome is a remarkable spirit and his children and beautiful wife ALL have that same strength! God bless the Hartman family .... they are such a beautiful group of people. - Love, Mary Lu Rowan-Workman
Bob Hall
October 13, 2011
The Albuquerque Hall family is deeply saddened at Rome's passing. We know how loved he was by his family and friends. His children are all products of his love. We are lucky to have known him through his kids.
Our prayers are with you all.
Bob, Pam, Ian & Grant
Al Rohde
October 13, 2011
Rome you were a true gentleman and broadcast legend.You will be forever missed.May God bless you.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Al Rohde and Maryann
Jack Freese
October 13, 2011
Thanks Rome, for teaching me about radio news broadcasting when I worked for you and Joe Fields at WIRK in the early 1960's. A real gentleman and wonderful mentor.
Tom Hurst
October 13, 2011
"When the one great scorer comes to write against your name; it matters not if you won or lost, but how you played the game." That was truly Rome! Tom Hurst, one of the kids at channel 21
Mary Buckhanan
October 13, 2011
On the wings of love and with great sympathy we will always remember Rome Hartman, a very honorable man. Hold his memory close and find peace with knowing that he has now met his rewards in Heaven. Blessings for the entire family in this time of loss.
Rome Hartman
Jim Breuer
October 13, 2011
Jim & Tina Breuer
October 13, 2011
It was with a great sense of loss when I heard of Uncle Rome’s passing. I wanted to let you know that you have my greatest sympathy, and my heart is truly saddened. Uncle Rome was more than just a wonderful person; he was always so kind and considerate to everyone. I know that his passing will not only leave a void in our lives, but in the hearts of all those who knew him. Uncle Rome will always remain in my thoughts, and I have included him in my daily prayers. May God give you strength to make it through these tough times. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you.
Christine Hellauer
October 13, 2011
Dear Ginnie, Mike, Claire & Colin
In honor of your (grand)father.
With our love and sympathy,
Christine Hellauer & Curt Ollayos
Patrick DeSantis
October 13, 2011
With sincere sympathy.
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