Robert L. Hartley

Robert Hartley of Willimantic, died peacefully on Wednesday Nov. 30, 2011 at his home at the age of 74. Mary Curtis, the love of his life and soul mate of thirty two years was at his bedside. He was born on June 12, 1937 in Coventry, the son of the late Charles and Gladys Hartley and was predeceased by his wife Joyce (Jandrow) Hartley and four brothers. He is also survived by his five children, Sherry Theriault and her husband Ray, Wayne Hartley and his wife Vicki, Debbie Kramer and her husband Alan, Robert Hartley Jr. and his wife Dianne and Donald Hartley; his older sister Mildred Bessette, several grandchildren and great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was best known for his lead guitar playing, however his repertoire of musical talents also included the violin and piano. Throughout his career he backed many local groups in the New England area, most notably Danny and the Gadabouts. He also backed several Nashville recording artists, such as Kenny Roberts, Elton Britt and Dick Curless. He was an avid pool player and could be found many Saturdays at the VFW with his friends. He was employed by Pratt & Whitney and later retired from the State of Connecticut in 1992. After retirement, he worked part time at Windham Hospital. His family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday Dec. 4th between 1:00 and 4:00pm at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday at 11:00am with interment following in New Willimantic Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Eastern Connecticut, 34 Ledgebrook Dr., Mansfield, CT. 06250. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .