March 24, 1940 — February 13, 2024
Glen M. Hartzler passed away suddenly at his home on the evening of February 13, 2024, following a hard-fought, nine-year battle with cancer. He was 83 years of age.
Born on March 24, 1940, in Wadsworth, Ohio, Glen was the loving son of the late William H. Hartzler and Mildred K. (Laukhuf) Hartzler, the loving brother of Lois M. Hartzler and the late Earl A. Hartzler. Glen was an amazing, loving, and kind son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed.
Glen grew up on a farm in Smithville, Ohio. From a young age, his caring nature and incredible intellect were readily apparent; he, along with his younger brother Earl, started their own printing press company as young teenagers to help contribute to the family finances. As a teen, he started teaching himself the basics of electrical circuitry. This would eventually lead him to obtain a Bachelor’s degree from the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio, followed by a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. After his graduation in 1964, he worked as an associate electrical engineer for several years before forming his own engineering firm, Control Techniques. He eventually joined Compumachine, Inc., a machine tool company, where he worked as Vice President for over thirty years.
On October 9, 1982, Glen married the love of his life, Sandra A. (Lauretano) Hartzler, and bought a home in Reading, Massachusetts, where he served for many years as a representative of Precinct 4, as well as a member of the town committee tasked with writing the town charter. In 1984, Glen and Sandra welcomed their first son, Mark W. Hartzler, followed by their second son, Eric J. Hartzler, two years later.
Glen, a lover of trains, steam engines and airplanes, was fascinated by all things mechanical. He was an accomplished pilot, who took great pride in his 1972 Piper Cherokee single-engine airplane. The many airplane trips he took with Sandra, Mark, and Eric will always be remembered. His attention to detail and precision as an engineer was embodied by his numerous home renovation projects which were never “complete” until they were perfect. His love of classical music was profound, a love that he instilled in both of his sons, and there was often music playing in the house.
Glen will always be remembered for his kindness, warmth, and intellect.
He is lovingly survived by his wife Sandra (Lauretano) Hartzler, his sons Mark W. Hartzler and Eric J. Hartzler, his daughter-in-law Nancy L. (Lohmiller) Hartzler, his sister Lois M. Hartzler, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Glen’s family at the Doherty – Barile Funeral Home, 11 Linden St. Reading, Massachusetts on Saturday, February 24 from 9:00 – 10:00 am.
A Funeral Mass celebrating Glen’s eternal life will be held on Saturday, February 24th at 10:30 am at St. Agnes Church, 186 Woburn St. Reading. All are welcome. Interment at Wood End Cemetery, Franklin St., Reading.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Glen’s memory to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute by referring to the link below.
