Obituary
Michael Hartnett, affectionately known as Mike, passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 77 years old.
Born and raised in Charlestown,Mike was a true townie through and through. His roots shaped him to who he was, a loyal, hardworking, and always ready to lend a hand. Mike was the kind of man who worked two jobs without complaint, determined to provide for his family and to give more than he ever took. He worked for many years as a Steward at GE where he met some cherished lifelong friends. Mike also worked on the waterfront for 12 years where he put his driving skills to the test driving 40-foot tractors. He was a long-time member of the Boston Garden Bull Gang, which he was very proud of.
After retiring, Mike never slowed down. He stayed active by coaching tennis and soccer, and he also delivered for Modern Pastry in the North End. He enjoyed a warm cappuccino during his visits and took great joy in treating others to their delicious pastries.
His generosity extended far beyond his own household. Mike had an uncanny ability to sense when someone needed help. Often before they realized it themselves. He put others first instinctively, quietly, and wholeheartedly. If you spoke with him, he made you feel like the most important person in the room, as if you’d been friends for years. Connection wasn’t something he tried to make; it was simply who he was.
In his downtime, Mike found joy in simple, grounding pleasures. He loved to swim, especially at the Charlestown Y, was a great ice skater, coached hockey on his own and taught so many children to skate. Mike loved to chop and split his own firewood for his wood stove on the third floor where he devised a pulley system to bring the wood up and enlisted the neighborhood children, nephews, and nieces to help him, followed by enjoying pizza or ice cream together.
The foundation of Mike’s life was his Catholic Faith, which guided all his actions. In keeping with his life of giving, Mike’s final act was to donate his body to medical research.
Beloved husband of 41 years to Ann Cavallo-Hartnett of Somerville. Devoted brother to Maureen Mulhern, Eunice Derenne, Anne Arria, Dorothy Randall, and the late Teddy and John Hartnett. Brother-in-law to the late Marie Hartnett, the late Jack Mulhern, Dominique Derenne, Chuckie Arria, Frances Cavallo, the late Vincent Cavallo (wife Marcia Spraker-Cavallo), and the late Roger Cavallo (wife Colleen). He was the loving nephew of the late Bob and Pat Walles, and cousin to Scott Walles, Judy McGrath (husband Dave), the late Rob Walles (wife Donna), and the late Steve Walles. The son of the late Edward “Mickey” Hartnett and Mary Louise (McLaughlin) Hartnett. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Calling Hours will be held on Friday, May 22 in St. Ann Church 399 Medford St., Somerville from 10:00AM to 11:00AM. Followed by a memorial mass at 11:00AM.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Parking is available off street in parking lot of church and there is elevator access around the rear of the church.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Mike’s name to Weston Priory 58 Priory Hill Road, Weston, VT 05161 ( https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=88RTJJF8JUTNL&ssrt=1779141399852) or to a charity of one’s choice.