Obituary of Rodney L. Hartbarger

Granby-Rodney Hartbarger, 85, passed away at Holyoke Medical Center on February 24, 2021, four days shy of his 86th birthday. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on February 28, 1935 to Roy and Gladys (Inman) Hartbarger. Ron was married to his “Sweetie Pie”, Eloise, for 63 years, and it was indeed a true love story.

     He was a career military man in the United States Air Force, retiring out of Westover Air Force Base in 1973, after 20 plus years of service. He was a Vietnam Veteran and was honored to have served his country, receiving numerous awards and decorations throughout his career. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for and retired from Service Star Corporation in Westfield, MA and Griffith Services at W.A.F.B. He also enjoyed working at Ledges Golf Club for many years, although he never considered it a job.

     Ron was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing the BASS Trail, and also hunting and fishing with his family and friends. One of his passions was coaching. He was a founding member of the Granby Athletic Association and coached hundreds of kids throughout his 20 plus years with the association. Ron received the highest award from the GAA for his many years of dedication to the youth of Granby. He enjoyed bowling with his wife and was a member of the W.A.F.B. bowling team. He was also a member of the W.A.F.B. trap and skeet team. His true passion was golf, recording three holes in one. When he was in his seventies, he shot his age many times. He was a long time member of Ledges Golf Club.

     In his later years, he enjoyed many rounds at Westover Golf Course. Ron was predeceased by his wife Eloise. He leaves three sons, Rick (Linda Slate) of Chicopee, Michael of Granby and Thomas of Granby. Ron and Eloise enjoyed their two grandchildren, Brenda (Hartbarger) Jacques (Ed) of Chicopee and Jeremy Hartbarger (Jen) of Ludlow. He also enjoyed his four great grandchildren Anna, Ella, Mason and Caden. He was predeceased by his brother Leroy. Beers & Story Funeral Home of South Hadley has been entrusted with the private services of the family. There will be no calling hours. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.