SOUTH WORCESTER – Howson (Hap) A. Hartley, 96, died May 26, 2016.


Howson was born in Brooklyn on September 30, 1919, son of Leslie and Mildred (Howson) Hartley.

He married Ruth Wood in Mineola on October 9, 1939.

He was a United Stated Army veteran, serving during World War II, and was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

Howson was employed at the Worcester Lumber yard for many years. He started his higher education in his 40s, graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree from Hartwick College in Oneonta, and a Master's degree from SUNY Oneonta. He taught at Charlotte Valley Central School for 5 years, and SUNY Cobleskill for 25 years. He continued to teach classes after his retirement from Cobleskill at Hartwick, and SUNY Oneonta; as well as teaching many courses for the CCAL, continuing education classes for adults. He wrote professional papers until his last days of life, including an elucidation of the Gettysburg Address. Howson was very involved in local and county politics. He was a Worcester town councilman, and town historian, writing the official history of South Worcester. He was trustee of the United Methodist Church; a treasurer for Oneonta Concert Association for 10 years; a 20 year member of the Catskill Choral Society as bass/baritone and a member of the Board of the Oneonta Concert Association.


He is survived by his children, Christopher Hartley of Cobleskill, Scott Hartley and his wife, Linda of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Victoria Hartley Rickard of Schenevus; and Neill Hartley and his wife, Robin of Havertown, PA; grandchildren, Amanda Rickard Hagzan of Albany and her husband Kieran, Alicia Rickard Cosh and husband, Lanson of Delanson, NY, Austin Rickard and wife, Tasnuba of Manassas, VA, Meghan Hartley and husband, Andrew Jones of San Francisco, CA, Jennifer Hartley of New York City, Alexander Hartley of Austin, TX and Kyle Hartley of Havertown and seven great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth Wood Hartley and a daughter, Leslie A. Hartley.


A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on July 30 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Oneonta.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta (UUSO) Attn. Treasurer, 16 Ford Ave. Oneonta, NY 13820.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hellerskinnerfh.com.

Arrangements are with the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester, NY 12197