John J. Hartley

John Justin Hartley, of Somers, Connecticut, formerly of Middleborough, passed away at home due to cancer on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the age of 90.

Having spent his childhood in Boston, he was a seafood lover for the rest of his life.  He lived his teen years in Middleborough, where he met his future wife.  Drafted into the military during the Korean War, he served in Naval cryptology as a Communications Technician on Guam.  Using the GI bill to further his education, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.  Much of his career was spent working on jet engines.

He married Julia Blanchard, and they moved to Somers, Connecticut in 1962 and completed their family of four children.  He attended night school for several years, earning his MBA in 1968.  With a philosophy of self sufficiency, he was an adamant believer in actively bringing about what he wanted.  He taught himself to play classical and flamenco guitar, made his own guitar, did all his own home and car repairs, built a television set, taught himself foreign languages, formed Boy Scout Troop 387 and was the Scoutmaster for more than 10 years, and made intricate inlaid wood carvings and pieces of furniture.

His belief in his own ability to assess situations accurately was such that he never held back on voicing his opinions, whether at work, at home, in town meetings or socially.

He is predeceased by his parents, Ernest/George and Mildred; his brothers, Robert and George; his sister, Margaret; his beloved wife of 66 years, Julia; his daughter, Jennifer; and his brother-in-law, David (Gwendolyn).

He is survived by his children, John, Julie, and Jay; his sister-in-law, Hilda; seven grandchildren, John, Michael, Patrick, Sonya, Christopher, Thomas, and Luke, six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are welcome to the brief Graveside Service at the Cemetery at the Green, (across from the Church of the Green), Plympton Street, Middleborough, on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 11:00 AM.

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