Delano Wayne Hartman, 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Dec. 24, 2025, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, Connecticut.
He was born on Oct. 27, 1933, in Franklin to the late Elmer and Shirley Hartman.
Mr. Hartman grew up in a small farming town in the hills of Appalachia. From an early age, he was known as a naturally bright, nature-loving, and mischievous spirit. When he wasn’t working on the family farm, he could be found lazing in fragrant hollows, fly fishing, and exploring hidden caves.
He was a gentle and loving brother to his four sisters. His sister, Judy, remembers him bringing her to the river to swim when she was only four years old. Another favorite family story recalls him and his brother, Gene, who were six and eight years old, respectively, falling into a cider barrel during a day of mischief and stumbling home drunk.
He graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in forest management and a commitment to join the United States Air Force. After college, he worked for the North Carolina Department of Forestry, a challenge that required wading through copperhead-infested swamps rather than walking the forested hills of West Virginia. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Helen.
His technical aptitude earned him a place in pilot school, and he went on to serve in the Air Force for many years as an aircraft pilot, ultimately flying B-52s. He served his country with dedication and left with the rank of major.
After 20 years of service, he returned with his wife and two daughters to his beloved hometown, where he managed the family farm for many years. In addition to farming, he served as a Justice of the Peace and earned admiration for his compassion, fairness, and quiet integrity.
A new and cherished chapter began when he moved to Connecticut to be near his daughter, Melissa, and four granddaughters. He often said these were the best years of his life. For more than a decade he played a central role in raising his granddaughters and was deeply involved in their daily lives. They remember him for his easy-going nature, warmth, and loving presence.
He was also the caring grandfather of his daughter, Anne’s, children, Lola and Axel. Though distance separated them, his love and pride for them were unwavering.
He remained engaged in political events until his last days. He was deeply committed to progressive values including equality, nonviolence, and protecting the dignity of all. His moral compass will have a lasting impact on all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.
His beloved wife, Helen Marie Hartman, survives.
Also surviving are his sisters, Judy Ratcliff of Asheboro, North Carolina, and Jo Anne Harrington of Fargo, North Dakota; his daughters, Melissa (Hartman) Perez of Guilford, Connecticut, and Anne Hartman of London, England; and his grandchildren, Gabriela, Natalia, Juliette, Sofia, Lola, and Axel.
A graveside service with military honors was held Jan. 14 at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut.
For online condolences, visit jferryfh.com.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home in Meriden, Connecticut.
