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Patrick Lawrence Hartnett

5/10/1945 - 4/27/2026

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Obituary For Patrick Lawrence Hartnett

Norfolk, VA - Patrick Lawrence Hartnett, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026 at home in Norfolk, Virginia at the age of almost 81. He was surrounded by family, with his best buddy Cholo laying on his lap as he took his last breath at 2:30pm. If you knew him, you'll see the irony in that because you've heard his dentist joke at least a dozen times.

Pat devoted his career to teaching and coaching. He retired from the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, but continued to teach and coach years later at Strider Academy in Mississippi. He was proud of his 12 years coaching youth hockey in the Pittsburgh area. His coaching career included football, basketball, and track and field, but his greatest joy included coaching his Grandsons in both football and basketball.

He was preceded in death by a large, loving family. His parents Lawrence (Gabby) Hartnett and Mary (McNamara) Hartnett, and his in-laws Annunzio (Nunze) Presutti, and Mary (Palmieri) Presutti. His brother-in-law Paul Presutti. Aunts Betty McNamara and Peggy (McNamara) Witt, and Uncle Donald McNamara. He left many behind after much questioning and contemplating including his completely devoted and ever-loving wife Gloria (Presutti) Hartnett. His eldest daughter Maura Hartnett, who provided her progeny for his molding, and his younger daughter Kelly (Hartnett) McCarty who provided joy and the beach life. His Grandsons, who carry on his legacy of Dad jokes and deadpan sarcasm: Brandon Robinson, who he shared his chess skills and love of firearms, Camron Robinson, to who he passed on his bad golfing habits, Jordan Robinson, who inherited his photographic memory and wealth of trivial information, and Ethan Robinson, who exemplifies his horrible sense of humor. His Grandsons provided more pride and life to their Pappy than he could handle sometimes. He also left his two younger sisters, whom he teased until the end, and their families. Brian O'Mara and Jane (Hartnett) O'Mara, and Art Wolfson and Eileen (Hartnett) Wolfson. His family is extremely loving and tight-knit, no matter the distance.

In keeping with his lifelong dedication to teaching and grossing people out, Patrick generously donated his body to science through the Virginia State Anatomical Program, continuing his love of education. Seriously, someone has to figure out what was going on in there.

No services are planned at this time, but a Celebration of Life will be held once his family is able to finish unboxing the new house and his wife deems it presentable since he decided to leave so suddenly. Simply Cremation has assisted the family during this transition, and friends and loved ones are invited to share memories and absurd stories at SimplyCremationOnline.com.

Pappy will be remembered for his big heart, wit and wisdom by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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  • 04/30/2026

    Scott and Kathy (Kokinda) Oliverio

    Scott Oliverio '80' He was g great teacher(save for the Academics Bowl screw-up where he insisted Kiner hit more HR's then Stargell LOL) and a guy who had no problem throwing quips as well as receiving them. In a strange but good twist of fate, when I took my wife, Kathy(Kokinda) as well as 2 other friends to visit WPSD years after I graduated, she recognized him as a her former teacher at Mystic Oral School for the Deaf in Connecticut where he taught before joining WPSD. Gloria, you and your family are in our prayers and thoughts with love...

  • 04/30/2026

    tina schroyer

    we know him in classroom that teacher patrick larence hartnett that he always talk about hockey and his love history ans we are not forget him thankful teach us and we miss him to remember

  • 04/30/2026

    David Strait

    I remember, about 25 years ago, walking the halls at Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf as a student. Patrick Lawrence Hartnett was leaning back against a classroom doorframe, right between the room and the hallway. I was walking with Courtney Hancock. As we approached, he straightened up-calm, almost deliberate. He took the golf tee out of his mouth and signed, "Hello, Mr. Strait," using the sign for a narrow body of water connecting two larger ones. Then he turned to Courtney. Without missing a beat, he signed "Hello" again-this time breaking her name apart: "court," like a courtroom, followed by pointing to his knee. The smirk at the end was completely unapologetic. It was perfect. It was him. If there's a Heaven up there, I hope he's greeting Courtney the exact same way-same humor, same timing, and that same unapologetic grin that always made him who he was. Rest in Peace Patrick Hartnett > ... •••

  • 04/30/2026

    leslie booth

    I had so much respect and admiration for Pat when I did my student teaching at WPSD. I had the opportunity to work under his wife, Gloria, in the Parent Infant Program, who I also have fond memories of. Please know that I am thinking of you both and sending love and prayers your way. Leslie Booth

  • 04/30/2026

    Jennifer Flaggs

    I am doing the Fred Flintstone shuffle on the floor to help your wings carry you to heaven. If you've been on a plane with Pat - you know why this is very helpful. Love - Jone

  • 04/30/2026

    Terri (Latorre ) Sadowski

    What can I say to a Man who showed nothing but love and compassion to Deaf students and the community. I remember working at the Deaf camp at WPSD and I was just fresh out of school . Worked the camp and He just made it so fun enjoyable and comfortable for everyone . He always made sure someone was smiling or his jokes made you laugh! Definitely one of a kind! Deepest heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. Thank you for your kindness and welcoming everyone !

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