Greenwood “Sonny” Hartley, Jr., 87, a lifelong resident of Rochester died June 22, 2014 at Sippican Healthcare Center after a brief illness.
Sonny leaves a legacy of love and kindness. He shared 63 years of marriage with Shirley M. (Rhodes) Hartley. Together they raised three children and anchored a family of over 30 individuals.
He was the son of the late Greenwood and Katherine T. (Gifford) Hartley. He was a member of the Rochester Congregational Church.
He held many different types of jobs throughout his life, his favorite and most enjoyed was the 25 years as a salesman at Hiller Dodge in Marion.
He served his country during World War II as a member of the U.S. Navy. He served his Town in many elected and appointed positions, including two terms as a member of the Board of Selectmen.
He was a member and Past Master of the Pythagorean Lodge A.F. & A.M. and a past member of the Aleppo Shriners.
However, it is his natural loving, supporting and good nature that will be most fondly remembered. Whether sitting at a local ice rink or little league park and cheering on his grandchildren or great grandchildren, or sitting at home surrounded by them cheering on the Bruins, Red Sox or Patriots, he was forever the sports fan. During his retirement he spent many hours attending school plays, graduations and award ceremonies. Just weeks ago he attended his youngest granddaughter’s college graduation and his great grandsons’ baseball games.
Survivors include his wife; 3 children, Greenwood “Woody” Hartley, III and his wife Sharon, Marsha Ann Hartley and Walter Rhodes Hartley and his wife Sheldon L., all of Rochester; a brother, Henry A. Hartley and his wife Bonnie of Rochester; 7 grandchildren, Scott Greenwood Hartley, Amy Hartley-Matteson, Sarah Jane Cecil, Morgan Lee Cecil, Walter R. Hartley, Jr., Jon A. Hartley and Katherine A. Hartley; 16 great-grandchildren; 2 nephews, Raymond Hartley and Andrew Hartley and a niece, Heather Hartley-O’Shaughnessy. He is the brother of the late Katherine T. (Hartley) Church and Robert T. Hartley.
His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 5th at 11 AM at the Rochester First Congregational Church. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Sonny’s name to your favorite charity. For on-line guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.