Stephen Leo Hartnett

Stephen Leo Hartnett, 66, of Nokomis, FL died peacefully January 21, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. Steve quietly and courageously fought a seven-year battle against cancer. Born in Evanston, IL to Jane Agatha Massmann and Charles Leo Hartnett Jr. Steve embarked on a lifelong journey as a Cub fan sparked by the fond memories of playing catch and laughing with his Hall of Fame grandfather, Chicago Cubs catcher, Charles Leo “Gabby” Hartnett. Upon graduating Niles West High School, he entered a career of service first by distinguished actions as an enlisted member of the US Army in Vietnam. He then joined the Glenview, IL Fire Department and earned his degree from Southern Illinois University. In his thirty years of service he was a paramedic, firefighter, and diver before retiring as a Lieutenant. He also founded a successful construction business and Hart Home Home Inspection. He served as American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) President for several years. He was active as a lector and Eucharistic minister at Epiphany Cathedral along with being a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He also participated in local plays favoring the annual production of A Christmas Carol. He was active in the community through Habitat for Humanity, volunteering at his daughter’s school, the Chamber of Commerce and board of realtors, Meals on Wheels, as well as wherever he was needed. Steve was an avid woodworker, chicken rancher and gardener. He had a tremendous love of cooking almost equal to his love of eating. With all his interests and accomplishments, the true joy of Steve’s life was his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family in whom he took the greatest pride and spent his happiest times. Steve is survived by: his beloved wife Mary Maude Hartnett, wonderful children Kimberly Hamilton (Andrew), Mark Hartnett (Kara), Scott Hartnett, and Megan Hartnett, dearest siblings Hope Komiss (David), Donna Biebrach (John), and Joanne Biebrach (James), and darling grandchildren Griffin and Bernadette Hartnett. He is also survived by many fond nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. Remembered by all as a great guy, quick with a smile and quicker with a helping hand, he was taken from us far too early and will be dearly missed. The viewing will be on Sunday, January 27th from 2-6 pm at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Ewing Chapel, 140 E. Venice Avenue, Venice, FL 34285. The funeral mass will be at 11am on Monday the 28th at Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota St., Venice, FL 34285. The burial at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241 will be on Friday, February 1st at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations to be made to the American Cancer Society, 2318 Mill Road, Suite 800, Alexandria, VA 22314 in Steve’s memory.

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Stephen Leo Hartnett

January 21, 2019