Lawrence I. Hartmann, the beloved patriarch of our family, died on November 3, 2022 at the age of 89. Larry was born on February 20, 1933 to parents John and Viola Hartmann. Larry grew up in Los Angeles and Baldwin Park. As a young boy, he helped grind hamburger and wait on customers in his father's butcher shop. As a teen, during wartime, he drove a farm truck to school and tended the family orchards. He graduated from Covina High School, where he played varsity football and was involved with Future Farmers of America.
Larry attended Mt. SAC Junior College where he was on the swim team. He served as an MP in the United States Army for two years in Military Police Battalion 504 MP Unit, the most decorated unit in the United States. He went back to college on the Gl bill, working part time, and received his BA degree in 1958 from Cal State University, Los Angeles. And his master's degree there in in 1966. After college, Larry taught at Mira Monte Elementary School in Ojai. He was a teaching principal at Summit School for 18 years, where he taught a special education class, and took the entire school on a yearly camp-out at Lake Casitas. Larry served another 18 years as principal of Mira Monte Elementary School, where he coached students who won many local speech contests. He founded the first elementary school Gavel Club in the United States, a division of Toastmaster's International. He was known as a strong disciplinarian and for his gift of encouragement. He served on the SARB (School Attendance Review Board) in the district for ten years. He and the family ran Hartmann's Swim School for 20 years (Walk in--Swim out), and grew and sold choose-and-cut Christmas trees on the ranch (Hartmann's Tree Farm). Later, they grew Pixie tangerines commercially on the property. He also owned and managed numerous rental properties.
Larry volunteered at Help of Ojai and with Ojai's RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), and volunteered to cut hair at St. Joseph's Convalescent Home in the 1980's, and later at the homeless shelter. He was United Way Chairman for the Ojai Valley as well as for the Ojai Unified School District.
In retirement, Larry was active in the Area Agency on Aging and served as a California Senior Senator. He wrote a "Senior Moments" column for the Ojai Valley News for many years and taught AARP Senior Driving Safety classes
Over the years, Larry Hartmann was recognized with numerous awards. He was commended for jumping into rough surf twice to rescue three people from a capsized boat near the breakwater of Ventura Harbor. Larry was honored as Ojai Chamber of Commerce "Educator of the Year" in 1990. In 2000, he was recognized as Ventura County "Elementary Principal of the Year," and with a "41 Years of Service" award in the Ojai Unified School District (a record). In 2002, he was honored as an Ojai Living Treasure,
Larry was an active and faithful member of Redemption Church Ojai, where he served as an usher and brought donuts each week for the Sunday snack. He was a long-standing member of the Upper Ojai Search and Rescue as well as a member of Ojai Toastmasters. He enjoyed camping, especially at Lake Almanor and Yosemite. He loved collecting and restoring muscle cars. The favorites of his collection are a '32 Plymouth Roadster, a '37 DeSoto convertible, and a '72 Chevelle convertible. Other hobbies were: drag racing, swimming, bicycling, hiking, water-skiing, surfing, windsailing, and kayaking. He enjoyed writing and telling made-up Nuki Lo stories to his children and grandchildren.
Larry is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patricia Hartmann and his children: John Hartmann, Therese Hartmann, George Hartmann, Jerry Hartmann, Patrick Hartmann, David Hartmann, and stepdaughter Kimberly Bretz. As well as his former wife, Georgia Diguilio. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Viola Hartmann, his sister, Gloria Dellasbel, and his son, Steven Hartmann. Larry has fifteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of love and wisdom and considers his family his greatest accomplishment.
Remembrances can be left at: A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 11:00 at Redemption Church, 190 E. El Roblar Dr. in Ojai. Arrangements are by JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE.