LEICESTER; Edward J. "Gabby" Hartnett, 84, of 35 Grove St., died Wednesday, July 27 at the Life Care Center of Auburn after an illness.
He leaves his wife of 50 years, Patricia A. (Dorr) Hartnett, three sons; Kevin E. Hartnett and his wife Kelly of Rutland, Francis X. Hartnett of Auburn, Daniel P. Hartnett and his wife Kelly of Oxford, three daughters; Susan M. Hartnett of Auburn, Maureen A. Hart and her husband Stephen of Spencer, Deborah A. Ericson and her husband Heath of Dayville, CT., 9 grandchildren Shawn, Keara, Deirdre, Daniel Hartnett, Brielle, Colleen, Patrick Hart, Maura and Colin Ericson, a great-granddaughter, Angelina Hartnett and several nieces and nephews.
He was pre-deceased by two sisters, Margaret D. Hartnett and Mary Shannon.
Born in Worcester he was the son of Michael & Margaret (McElligott) Hartnett.
Mr. Hartnett was a graduate of Commerce High School in Worcester. He served his country in the Navy during the Korean War. He was a foreman for 38 years working for the City of Worcester DPW Streets Department, retiring in 1994. He also worked as a bartender at Herbie's in Worcester for many years. After retiring he worked at Central MA Safety Council as a driver instructor.
He was a long time member of the Main South American Legion, Post 341.
He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching Notre Dame and Holy Cross football games as well as the Red Sox.
He was a member of St. Pius X Church in Leicester.
The funeral will be held Monday, Aug. 1 from MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester with a Mass at 11:00 AM in St. Pius X Church, 1153 Main Street, Leicester. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Leicester. Calling hours are Sunday, July 31from 4:00-7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association of MA/NH, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472.