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John Hardiman Obituary

HARDIMAN, JOHN J. ESQ., 56, of Love Lane, passed away on Wednesday at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston. He was born in Providence, the son of the Dr. James F. and Margaret E. (Hogan) Hardiman. He was the father of Elizabeth L. Hardiman of North Kingstown and Emmett K. Hardiman and his wife Calla of North Kingstown, two brothers, Dr. James M. Hardiman of Lithia-Pinecrest, FL, Dennis F. Hardiman of Tampa, FL, two sisters, Anne M. Hardiman of Watertown, MA and Lucille M. O'Donnell of North Kingstown. He was the brother of the late Mary K. Rothman, Christine M. Sutton and Maggie M. Hardiman. John spent his career fighting for justice with the Public Defender's Office for 30 years. He was a devoted and loving father, brother and friend. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on MONDAY at 10:00 am in St. Pius V. Church, Eaton St., Providence. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 4-8 pm in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Rd., Warwick. In lieu of flowers, donations to Providence In-Town Churches Association (PICA), PO Box 5639, Providence, RI 02903, in his memory would be appreciated. Boyleandsonfuneralhome.com

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Published by The Providence Journal on Oct. 21, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for John Hardiman

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October 25, 2011

To the Hardiman children, My heartfelt sorrow for the loss of a truly good human being, your dad. Reach out for comfort-it will be there for you. Try to remember all the wonderful memories you have-it helps a lot. Be proud you shared your life with such a giving, spiritual person. Donna Renzulli Burke

Jane Miller

October 25, 2011

Dear Hardiman Family,
May your joyous memories of John's strenght comfort you. My thoughts and prayers to you all.

October 25, 2011

Dear Anne, I am so sorry about the loss of your brother. I only know of him from what I have read and he sounds like an amazing, giving man. I wish you and your family strength and comfort during this difficult time. Kelly Graves

October 25, 2011

To John and His Family...my condolences...a true gentleman in all respects...a mentor and genuine role model for many young lawyers...he will be greatly missed by the entire RI legal community....Matt Smith

Mike Milito

October 24, 2011

My condolonces to John and his family. I met John more than 25 years ago when we played pick-up basketball together at St. Andrew's in Barrington. He was as much of gentleman on the court as he was in the court. He is a good man who will be missed.

John O'Leary

October 24, 2011

To all the Hardiman:
My sincere sympathy on the passing of John. I am so sorry for your loss. He has made a lasting legacy in our state. May happy memories help to reduce the sorrow that you are now experiencing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Steve Morris

October 24, 2011

An unsung hero who tirelessly gave to those in need, despite what others thought.

October 23, 2011

^To the Hardiman Family, John was a great a man, when asked he helped, he will be missed.
The Cahir Family

terry dicenso

October 23, 2011

to the family_another angel was called home/we are so sorry for ur loss.we had the pleasure of meeting once-and he left quite a impression. friends of jimmy.((terry and mike dicenso_

October 23, 2011

R.I.P. John, you were an honest and good man. To John's family my sincerest sympathies.

Jean Baxter

October 23, 2011

Dear Elizabeth and Em, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hardiman family during this difficult time.

October 22, 2011

"Duffy" was the embodiment of grace. When you needed him--he made you know that he cared and would be your fearless advocate.
A man of genuine integrity...has left us knowing what that means. Jn 1:4

October 22, 2011

John dedicated his career to helping the people who could not (because of illness, indigence or disability) help themselves. He spent his life doing God's work- standing up next to the lost sheep. He saw the best in everyone. He fought for fairness and justice; he fought against prejudice and oppression.

It was an honor to be chosen by John to do this work next to him. And I say "next to him" and not "under him" because John was on the front lines until his last days. He was an amazing leader, a true believer, and a supportive boss. He will be missed by his Public Defender family everyday.

To his family- I am so sorry for your loss. I know he is in heaven now, at peace.

To his children- thank you for sharing your Dad with a generation of young lawyers who will carry on his voice and his beliefs for many, many years.

Rest in eternal peace, John. You are loved.

Eileen Murphy Sloan

October 22, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Judith Caprio

October 21, 2011

My sincere condolences to John's family. John's passion for his work enhanced one's belief in justice and fairness. He will be missed.

Dennis Hardiman

October 21, 2011

On behalf of the family we appreciate your kind remarks. John's strength and courage was amazing as he dealt wth the disappoinment of being denied a lung transplant and recognizing his life would soon end. Even while receiving the news that he was denied a transplant he was able to express his thanks and appreciation to the transplant team. His concern for family and friends during his last days of life demonstrated a selfless and loving man. John would eagerly acknowledge he was at peace with dying and would frequently recite " my Lord, my Savior, Jesus I love you with all of my heart and soul, you are my strength and courage". John's faith in Jesus gave him strength to live a life centered on caring for others and provided him even a more remarkable strength to consider others more than himself even in the face of death. We are grateful to God for having John in our lives.

Kathy Matteson

October 21, 2011

Dear Dr. Hardiman and Family:
My sincerest sympathy for the loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.

Katie Anderson

October 21, 2011

He was a great man, loving father, amazing friend to those who knew him. Always knew how to make me feel welcome in his home when I would visit with Em. You will be greatly missed Mr. Hardiman. Much love to the entire family. Em and Liz you are both very strong individuals, and yes it hurts and will continue to hurt throughout life, but I will be keeping you in my prayers and pass extra strength to you both. XOXO

Dorothy McCollough

October 21, 2011

My sincere condolences to John's family. What a kind and professional soul to have worked with. Always to be remembered. May he rest in peace.

Kelly Monteiro

October 21, 2011

Paula, Elizabeth, Emmett, and the Hardiman family,

I am so very sorry for your loss. John is a wonderful soul. He was one of my favorite people to work for -- a dedicated public servant and genuine good guy. He will be missed.

I pray that you all find comfort and joy in your memories.

Deana Vorro

October 21, 2011

John was a great boss and Friend ,just all around good person he will be missed and forever beloved . My prayers and love go out to his family .

Tom O'Connor

October 21, 2011

MHRIP. My sympathies to all the family and many friends and colleagues. John was one of the best bosses I ever had. He was a steady hand and justice was his guide.

Joyce Bourque

October 21, 2011

Our sincere and deep sympathy to Dr. James Hardiman and to the entire Hardiman family. Public Defender Hardiman was an awesome compassionate advocate for all who came to him. He was truly a honest and professional public defender. His service to the State of RI and to his clients was always above and beyond the call of duty. May he rest in peace.
Dick and Joyce Bourque

Elizabeth Kooloian

October 21, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the Hardiman family. I worked with John many years ago. He will be remembered for his dedication, integrity and many friendships. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

THE RENZULLI FAMILY

October 21, 2011

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO JOHN'S FAMILY. HE WAS ONE OF A KIND, A SOFT SPOKEN GENTLE GIANT OF A MAN WHO MANY TIMES PUT THE NEEDS OF OTHERS BEFORE HIMSELF. HE HAD A BIG HEART FILLED WITH MUCH LOVE FOR HIS CHILDREN, FAMILY AND FRIENDS. JOHN WILL LIVE ON IN OUR MEMORIES NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN. WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE KNOWN JOHN.

Dr. Louis M. & Elaine Damiani

October 21, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Paul Petit

October 21, 2011

Dear Jimmy and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. John was a great guy who did so much for so many. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Paul

Dina Veiga

October 21, 2011

So many memories, you live on in everyone you touched in your life. Be at peace with the Lord. My prayers are with you and your beautiful family.

October 21, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to your family, our thoughts and prayers are will you all. The Handy Family

October 21, 2011

Good boss, good friend. We'll miss him. Judi, Seekonk, MA

Tony Marro

October 21, 2011

John will be remembered for his generosity, kindness and dedication. A soft spoken giant. My sincere condolences to John's family and friends.

October 21, 2011

Elizabeth,
We are all so sorry to hear about your Dad. He is a wonderful and kind man and will be truly missed by so many. Just remember that love never dies and his love for you will follow you throughout your life. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Diane,Richard and Kristen Elsner

Catherine J Rose

October 21, 2011

My condolences to John's Family. Though his life was short, may his memory live on forever in the hearts of all who loved him. With the same passion that he lived his life fighting for justice, may he now Rest In Peace with the Lord. God Bless.

October 21, 2011

John was a great man--one I will never forget-as a then retired police officer he hired me to be one of his investigators giving me an opportunity to see this profession from a different aspect. As one of his investigaors, he not only gambled on me, but he placed an enormous amount of trust and confidence in my appointment and work ethics. But you know something? That was John. That is a true testament to who this man was and what he was all about. That is why we will all hear nothing but good words come from mouths and or writings of everyone who knew him, or had the opportunity to work with him. Police officers, defense attorneys, judges, members of the Attorney General's office--you name it. John was always a true gentleman and professional. I drew that conclusion of him long before I went to work for him-- when I was a Police Detective sitting on the opposite side of the table during various court cases and proceedings. When I went to work for him, he displayed these qualities all the more. They say that our life brings us down many different paths. Throughout this journey we make many stops and we meet many different people. Some of these stops along the way and the folks we meet have an impact on us, and some do not. Some of them we will remember and some of them we will not. One of my stops brought me to the office of the Public Defender where I met and worked for this man. It wasn't a very long stop (3 short years), but I can tell all who read this message, it is a stop that I will never forget. Likewise, it brought me to this man who has now left us, one I can assure all of you that I will never forget. John Hardiman--may god bless you and reward you for all of your kindness, your generosity, and for all of the hard work and dedication that you gave of yourself to help those many of others in need. Rest in peace.

John Nardolillo
West Greenwich Police Department

Mike Stone

October 21, 2011

Farewell my old friend. May you rest in (a well deserved) eternal peace.

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