John E. Hartley, 92, passed away on August 28, 2010. Mr. Hartley was blessed with such excellent health that he never required hospitalization; the only illnesses he experienced during his long life were a few colds and one bout of intestinal distress during a trip to China. He died quietly of old age at the home of his daughter Christine and her husband Ray in Lee, Massachusetts.

John was born on August 19, 1918 in New Bedford, Mass. He was the son of Harold and Emma Brunner Hartley, and the brother of Eunice Hartley Russell, who predeceased him.

Beginning in grammar school, John played the drums in the band and orchestra and later in clubs throughout the area; his prowess was commemorated in his yearbook: “rhythm is his business, rhythm is what he sells.” He received a BS from Bryant College in Providence and served in the U.S. Navy during WW II. After his discharge he worked at the Hathaway Manufacturing Company in New Bedford and New York, advancing from shipping clerk to Vice President, before leaving the company (now Berkshire Hathaway), to manage a knitting mill in St. Thomas, USVI. Living in both St. Thomas and California from the late 1960's through the early 1990's, John went on to establish Evans and Hartley, a St. Thomas real estate company, from which he retired in 1990. He then moved to North Carolina and spent the next 14 years enjoying his many friends and his passion for golf, as well as playing tennis and attending to his stamp collection. After his wife died, John lived with his daughters, spending summers in Massachusetts and winters in California.

John was married to Dorothy Yvette Dufresne (DD) for over 50 years. Together they danced beautifully, raised four daughters, and traveled the world. One of his most memorable experiences was arriving by hot air balloon to breakfast in the middle of the African veldt.

He is survived by daughters Christine Zelehoski of Lee; and Barbara Denouden, Susan Hartley, and Ami Hartley of California; grandchildren Elizabeth Hutchinson, Chris Walsh, Diana English, Josh Kane, Michael and John Zelehoski; and great grandchildren Hanna Kane, Max and Otto English, and Anna, Walker, Cyrus and Lincoln Hutchinson.

John will be remembered as a gentle man and a gentleman, who loved people, music, golf, seafood, and Scotch. He never complained. Whenever you asked him how he was, his enthusiastic response was “never better.” He was a good friend, and caring father who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

There will be a family memorial service in California later this year.

Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington is caring for the arrangements. Remembrances, memories, and reflections may be sent to the family through this link.