Note: Patrick Hartnett was teacher of WPSD from 1976-1977 until his retirement in 2003. He worked at WPSD for 27 years.
- Teacher (1976-2003)
- Varsity track assistant coach (1991-1999)
- Restrict room supervisor (2000-2001)
Norfolk, VA – Patrick Lawrence Hartnett, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026 at home in Norfolk, Virginia at the age of almost 81. He was surrounded by family, with his best buddy Cholo laying on his lap as he took his last breath at 2:30pm. If you knew him, you’ll see the irony in that because you’ve heard his dentist joke at least a dozen times.
Pat devoted his career to teaching and coaching. He retired from the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, but continued to teach and coach years later at Strider Academy in Mississippi. He was proud of his 12 years coaching youth hockey in the Pittsburgh area. His coaching career included football, basketball, and track and field, but his greatest joy included coaching his Grandsons in both football and basketball.
He was preceded in death by a large, loving family. His parents Lawrence (Gabby) Hartnett and Mary (McNamara) Hartnett, and his in-laws Annunzio (Nunze) Presutti, and Mary (Palmieri) Presutti. His brother-in-law Paul Presutti. Aunts Betty McNamara and Peggy (McNamara) Witt, and Uncle Donald McNamara. He left many behind after much questioning and contemplating including his completely devoted and ever-loving wife Gloria (Presutti) Hartnett. His eldest daughter Maura Hartnett, who provided her progeny for his molding, and his younger daughter Kelly (Hartnett) McCarty who provided joy and the beach life. His Grandsons, who carry on his legacy of Dad jokes and deadpan sarcasm: Brandon Robinson, who he shared his chess skills and love of firearms, Camron Robinson, to who he passed on his bad golfing habits, Jordan Robinson, who inherited his photographic memory and wealth of trivial information, and Ethan Robinson, who exemplifies his horrible sense of humor. His Grandsons provided more pride and life to their Pappy than he could handle sometimes. He also left his two younger sisters, whom he teased until the end, and their families. Brian O’Mara and Jane (Hartnett) O’Mara, and Art Wolfson and Eileen (Hartnett) Wolfson. His family is extremely loving and tight-knit, no matter the distance.
In keeping with his lifelong dedication to teaching and grossing people out, Patrick generously donated his body to science through the Virginia State Anatomical Program, continuing his love of education. Seriously, someone has to figure out what was going on in there.
No services are planned at this time, but a Celebration of Life will be held once his family is able to finish unboxing the new house and his wife deems it presentable since he decided to leave so suddenly. Simply Cremation has assisted the family during this transition, and friends and loved ones are invited to share memories and absurd stories at SimplyCremationOnline.com.
Pappy will be remembered for his big heart, wit and wisdom by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Source: https://csofhr.com/obituaries/patrick-lawrence-hartnett/
