Obituary of Fernando Hartswell

Fernando “Fred” Hartswell, 79, of Hazlet, NJ passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2023.Born in Panama City, Panama, Fred moved to Brooklyn as a teenager, became a U.S. citizen, and earned a degree in electrical engineering from the Polytechnic Institute.  He served in the U.S. Air Force during the 1960s.

He met his wife Jo Ann (nee Monahan) after his friends from Panama moved next door to her in New Jersey.  They wed in 1973.

He worked at a series of engineering jobs at RCA, Manufacturers Hanover, and Exxon and managed several H&R Block offices in “retirement.”

Fred considered it to be a privilege to serve on the Vestry and as a Warden at Christ Episcopal Church in Middletown, NJ.

Fred was kind, capable, always willing to help, beloved, and admired by his family and friends.  Words cannot convey how deeply he will be missed.

Surviving are Fred’s wife of 50 years Jo Ann Hartswell of Hazlet, NJ; his son (Joseph), daughter-in-law (Rebecca), and grandson (Tyler) of New York, NY; his brother Wesley Hartswell and his wife Anna of Long Island, NY; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him.

He was predeceased by his parents Daisy and Wesley F. Hartswell, Sr.; sister Graciela Hartswell; and brother Ricardo Hartswell.

In celebration of Fred’s life, a memorial gathering will be held at the Posten-McGinley Funeral Home in Atlantic Highlands, NJ on Friday, January 5, 2024 from 3 to 6 pm followed by a service at Christ Episcopal Church at 90 Kings Highway in Middletown, NJ on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church in Middletown, NJ and All Saints’ Memorial Church in Navesink, NJ.

We extend our sincere thanks to the staff and Hospice team at Hackensack Meridian Health Bayshore Medical Center and to the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.