Donald James Hartzell

Donald James Hartzell, 74, of Washington, died Thursday, March 27, 2008, in Washington County Health Center, as a result of complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. He was born July 31, 1933, in Washington, a son of the late Robert and Mary Ruth Mounts Hartzell. Mr. Hartzell loved his country and was very proud he was a Marine. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps on May 11, 1953 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant on May 10, 1956. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Ribbon. He was a mould maker at Penn Mould, on Jefferson Avenue, retiring in 1996. Prior to Penn Mould, he was a machinist at Crile Machine for twenty years, and also worked at Ball Glass. After retirement, he loved watching his grandchildren, and then his great-grandson, play ball. He loved the “babies”. His grandchildren and great grandchildren consumed his last years. Mr. Hartzell was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and a member of Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 American Legion. Mr. Hartzell was a sports lover and avid Steelers fan. He also enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing. On August 28, 1959, he married Shirley Ann Barlow, who survives. Also surviving are three sons, Charles K. Hartzell, of Canonsburg, Donald Paul (Donna) Hartzell, and Robert Lee (Beth) Hartzell, of Washington; a daughter, Rebecca Lynn Ames, of Washington; a brother, Robert “Salty” Hartzell, of Washington; two sisters, Jean Ankrom and Barbara (Bill) Brenner, of Washington; 9 grandchildren, Michelle Hartzell, Kelley Ames, David Ames, Christopher Beck, Chelsey, Lydia and Amelia Hartzell and Patience Hartzell; 5 great grandchildren, Frankie Yarbrough, Kevin and Kelvin McCracken, Addison Mercurio and Dezmick Matthews; and many nieces and nepews. A niece, Kim Barlow Laxton, and her family, were very special to him. Deceased is a son, Stephen “Stymie” Hartzell. Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2008, with Rev. Karen Stevenson officiating. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 American Legion. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Washington County Health Center, Activities Department, 37 Old Hickory Ridge Road, Washington, PA 15301.