Rev. Joseph F. Hartman, O.S.A. (1919 - 2004)

Rev. Joseph F. Hartman, O.S.A. entered eternal life on February 10, 2004, following a six-week illness. He was 84.

Joseph Francis Hartman was born on April 10, 1919 in Audubon, New Jersey to Lambert J. and Jennie (King) Hartman. He was baptized on May 4, 1919 at St. Rose Catholic Church, Haddon Heights, New Jersey. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation on October 22, 1934 at the same church.

After graduating from St. Rose Parochial School in 1933, Joseph enrolled in Camden Catholic High School, Camden, New Jersey. After two years there, he transferred to Collingswood High School, Collingswood, New Jersey, which awarded him a high school diploma in 1937. He then attended Camden County Vocational School from 1937 until 1939.

Joseph entered the Augustinian Preparatory Seminary, Staten Island, New York, as a post-graduate in September of 1939. He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate on September 9, 1940 and professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine on September 10, 1941. He professed solemn (permanent) vows on September 10, 1944. He was ordained a priest on June 10, 1947.

Following profession of simple vows, Joseph studied at Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, earning a B.A. in Philosophy in 1944. He did his theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He holds an M.A. in Education, with a minor in Physics, from Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. He did additional studies at a number of schools: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Westinghouse Fellowship); Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois; University of Detroit, Detroit, Michigan; Ss. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake, Michigan; St. John's University of Collegeville's Jerusalem Extension, Israel; and St. John University, Plymouth, Michigan.

Father Hartman was assigned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, as a teacher in 1948. He was named Principal of St. Augustine Seminary High School, Holland, Michigan, in 1963. He returned to Chicago in 1964, serving as Vice-Principal for Studies at Mendel Catholic High School. Father Hartman was Chaplain for the Chicago Fire Department for many years. In 1966, he was assigned to Austin Catholic High School, Detroit, as a teacher.

In 1978, Father Hartman transferred to St. Mary Parish, Rockford, Illinois, as Associate Pastor. He was then named Associate Pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Flint, Michigan, in 1979. He became Pastor of St. Matthew in 1980. During his time in Flint, he also served as Administrator of Christ the King Parish for a short time.

He became Associate Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Pekin, Illinois, in 1988. He moved in 1994 to St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, where he remained active in ministry until illness necessitated his hospitalization in late December of 2003.

Father Hartman was noted for his enthusiastic style of preaching and teaching. He was interested in people. He consistently maintained a positive attitude toward others and was constantly affirming the goodness that he saw in those around him. Particularly after the Second Vatican Council, he devoted much time to reading and studying the Sacred Scriptures. His Christ-centered spirituality grew and deepened, and he became a man of profound prayer.

He is survived by a sister, Rita Master; a step-brother, John Poyatt; two sisters-in-law, Rita Irwin and Betty Hartman; several nephews and nieces; and his brother Augustinian Friars.

A Funeral Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated on February 13, 2004 at St. Clare of Montefalco Church. Father Hartman is buried in the Augustinian plot at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Detroit, Michigan.

Memorial gifts may be made to: The Midwest Augustinians, 10161 S Longwood Dr, Chicago, IL 60643-2032 or via our Onlin e Giving Page.