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William Hartnett Obituary
"Wild Bill" was born on January 25, 1943, in Lackawanna, NY. "Butch" attended Canisius High School, continued there through college and ultimately graduated with degrees from the University of Detroit and Syracuse University. He worked for RADC/Rome Labs, where he helped bring about the end of the Cold War and was known as "The King of the Clam Bake."
Bill was heavily involved in the Knights of Columbus, where he was a Grand Knight and the first recipient of the "William S. Hartnett Award" in 1966. He enjoyed travel, spending time with his wife and family and the perfect sandwich…every bite needs to have the same flavor.
Willy was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Grace; mother, Ruth; and father, Patrick.
He leaves two children, Michael (Becky) and Stephanie (David); seven grandchildren, Patrick, Samantha, Zachary, Emma, Beth, Erika and Nicole; and siblings, Trish (Dave) Lanz, Rick (Janice) Hartnett, Tom (Marsha) Hartnett, Mary Elizabeth (Bill) Coles and their families.
We would like to thank the staff of the Lutheran Home for caring for Willy.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Willy's Funeral Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Those unable to attend, may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86339794778. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
This obituary was lovingly composed by Willy's family.
Fond memories and messages of encouragement may be shared at www.EannaceFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Hartnett
Sponsored by Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. - Utica.
6 Entries
John Parker
July 16, 2024
I met Willie when I got to Rome Labs in 1980. I remember him in bldg. 240 doing some great research in similar areas I worked in. I remember those big steak bakes we had, which he thoroughly enjoyed. After retirement, he was a great help at Rome Community Theater under the mentorship of Fred Normand building sets and maintaining the plant. Then, we always used co chit chat when he could no longer do that but still came to RCT to attend our productions. He was a GREAT man.
Bill Sill coworker and friend
July 13, 2024
Willie was a wonderful worker with an outgoing personality enjoyed life and was very serious about his technical work for the Mary development center
Ronald Cwirko
July 10, 2024
Willy and I were long time friends and that relationship extended to our families.
He and his wife Grace (deceased ) were Godparents for our daughter Debra, also deceased. I'm sure all three are enjoying a reunion.
Willy loved to organize social functions , especially yearly golf tournaments, where he personally made sausage hoagies for lunch on the course. There were no leftovers.
These and other memories will be forever cherished by many of us.
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Patrick McCabe
July 10, 2024
My deepest sympathies to family and friends. Bill was very supportive of a very young, wet behind the ears computer scientist.
Stephanie Schell
July 8, 2024
Was very active in his community.
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