Kenneth H. Hartz

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Kenneth H. Hartz, 91, of Watertown, NY, peacefully passed away March 25, 2018, surrounded by family at Samaritan Medical Center.
Ken was born April 8, 1926, in Tell City, IN, son of Harry and Sophia Little Hartz. He graduated from Tell City High School in 1944. He served in the United States Navy from 1944 until 1946. Ken served aboard the LST 929 at Iwo Jima during WWII where he witnessed the raising of the American flag by the U.S. Marine Corp. He was very proud to serve his country during this time.
After his military service, he moved to Watertown, NY, where he was employed by Loblaw’s grocery store. He met the love of his life, June R. Pistolese while working at Swan’s market. They were married on July 4, 1948 at St. Anthony’s church with Msgr. Claude Sechi officiating. The marriage lasted 67 years, until June’s death on September 8, 2015.
Ken also worked as a quality control clerk at the New York Air Brake for ten years. He then carried mail for the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement in 1988. He was a 50-year life member of the National Association of Letter Carriers and a city councilman for four years. In addition he served on the board of Watertown Housing Authority and Community Action Planning Council.
Ken is survived by his four daughters, Rosanna (Norman) Steele, of Glenville, NY, Darla (Richard) Davis, of Watertown, NY, Maria Fajotina, of Chesapeake, VA, Kendra (Leland) Boice, of Baltimore MD; seven grandchildren, Jeffrey Steele, Jason Steele, Kyle Davis, Brendan Fajotina, Colin Boice, Garrett Boice, Ryan Boice; five great grandchildren, Michael Steele, Andrew Steele, Emma Steele, MacKenzie Steele and Olivia Steele and several nieces and nephews. His brothers, Ralph, Paul, Bob and two sisters, Barbara Gordon and Dorothy Orford, all predeceased Ken.
The family is extremely grateful for the excellent care received by his caregivers – Claire, Natalie, Carol and Debbie.
Calling hours are Monday, April 2, 2018 from 4-7 p.m. at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home Inc. in Watertown. The prayer service will be Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home with a funeral mass following at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Church with Reverend Michael Gaffney officiating. Burial will be in the spring at Glenwood Cemetery with military honors. Donations may be made to Holy Family Church or a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be made at www.dlcalarco.com.

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