Arthur J. Hartnett

He was born in Manchester, June 16, 1924 and was the son of Arthur J. and Elizabeth (Casey) Hartnett, Sr. He had been a Goffstown resident for 40 years and had a second home in Rockport, ME

He graduated from Central High School in 1941 and attended Bentley and Pennsylvania State Colleges. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1950 and did graduate studies at Yale University, Syracuse and Delaware Universities.

Mr. Hartnett was a retired Major in the US Air Force. During World War II and the Korean Conflict, he served as a bombardier and navigator on B-25's and B-29's. During WWII, he established the world record for high altitude bombing from a combat aircraft. He was also the recipient of several military decorations.

Among his many civic commitments, he served the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce as their Executive Director for 26 years, during which he earned national recognition with the cherished designation of Certified Chamber of Commerce Executive. Upon his retirement in 1980, he was awarded an Honorary Degree from the NH Vocational Technical College and received the WKBR radio station "Someone Special" award for his record of achievements in bettering the city of Manchester. He later was employed by the State of New Hampshire Department of Employment Security as an Employer Relations Representative and Disabled Veteran Outreach Specialist.

He was a member of the Board of Regents for the US Chamber of Commerce National Institute for Organization and Management; founder and past president of the NH Chamber of Commerce Executives; former president of the New England Chamber of Commerce Executives; co-founder and treasurer of the Greater Manchester Personnel Club; US Power Squadron; American Chamber of Commerce Executives. He was also a member of the American Legion Henry J. Sweeney Post #2; a fourth degree Knight of Columbus; League of 1000 Men of the Precious Blood Monastery; Manchester Industrial Council and Kiwanis International.

Unbeknownst to many, Mr. Hartnett was the "real" Santa Claus. For 55 years, he visited private homes, nursing homes, churches and "Breakfasts with Santa Claus" during the holidays.

In his youth, he received the highest rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. During the 40's and early 50's, he taught swimming for the local Red Cross and was an active lifeguard. Many remember him as "Gabby" the lifeguard.

Mr. Hartnett enjoyed sports. He was a diehard fan of the Boston/New England Patriots and also founded the Queen City Invitational Basketball tournament. He enjoyed tennis, hiking, photography, fly-fishing, boating and skiing. He was the co-founder of the Amoskeag Ski Club. When he wasn't reading, writing or gardening, Arthur was building model ships and airplanes.

He loved northern New England, especially the coast of Maine where he and his wife would spend their retirement time with their Dalmatians. He also loved Manchester and worked to make the city a stronger community to work and play. He received six keys to the city in his lifetime.

He was a longtime communicant of St. Lawrence Church in Goffstown and St. Bernard the Navigator Church in Camden, ME.

He leaves his wife of 41 years, Katherine B. (Libby) Hartnett of

Goffstown; a sister, Elizabeth "Bette" Duhaime of Manchester; a nephew and several nieces, grand nephews and grand nieces.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at St. Catherine Church, corner of Webster and Hemlock Sts., Manchester, NH. Burial, with military honors,followed in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford, NH

Memorial donations may be made to the Precious Blood Monastery, 700 Bridge St., Manchester, 03104