The Ohio House of Representatives has honored a former collegue who enjoyed a long and successful career in public service.
William J. Hartnett, who passed away earlier this year, was the subject of a resolution which was presented to family members last week.
Accoding to the website for Represntative Mark J. Romanchuk, “A former member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1998 to 2006, Bill was a resident of Mansfield, located within Rep. Romanchuk’s district. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and an educator, working as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in various school districts in northeastern Ohio. After leaving the Ohio House, Bill served as the state director of veterans’ affairs for Governor Ted Strickland.
“I was honored to pay tribute to a great man and public servant from Richland County,” said Rep. Romanchuk.
Bill passed away at the age of 84 this past June. He was remembered as a man of exceptional character and commitment, and he is survived by a large and loving family.”
House Resolution 479 reads as follows:
“A R E S O L U T I O N
In memory of William J. Hartnett.
WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the 131st General Assembly of Ohio extend our sympathies to the family and friends of William J. Hartnett in their bereavement; and
WHEREAS, Bill Hartnett’s zealous love of life and his selfless concern for the welfare of others distinguished him as an outstanding human being and as a leading citizen. A veteran of the U.S. Navy and an educator, he served as a teacher and coach in Wooster, the principal at Union Elementary and Ashland Junior High schools, the superintendent of the Ashland Joint Vocational and Madison Local school districts, and an adjunct professor at Ashland University before becoming the head of the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce, and he was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1998 to 2006 and then the state director of veterans affairs for Governor Ted Strickland. He was a dedicated and devoted public servant whose exemplary career serves as an inspiration for others; and
WHEREAS, A man of exceptional concern and commitment, Bill Hartnett will long be remembered for his kindness and his commitment to excellence. His untiring efforts earned him the respect and esteem of many, and his absence will be keenly felt; and
WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Bill Hartnett always used his talents to the benefit of others, and the laurels of his life stand as a tribute not only to him but also to those he left behind. The world is a richer place for his having been in it, and he will be sorely missed; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That we, the members of the House of Representatives of the 131st General Assembly of Ohio, in adopting this Resolution, express a profound sense of loss and sincere regret at the death of William J. Hartnett and, in so doing, pay tribute to the memory of a truly unique individual; and be it urther
RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit a duly authenticated copy of this Resolution to the family of William J. Hartnett.”
Photo: Ohio House Chamber – 1812Blockhouse File Photo
