Hartle

David William Hartle, a loving husband, father, teacher, writer, poet, storyteller, concert mime, actor, art lover and equestrian, was born on Feb. 25, 1950, and passed away to join his Heavenly Father while surrounded by his family on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022.

A man of great love, compassion and creative talent, he graduated high school from Saint Fidelis Seminary and earned his teaching degree at Slippery Rock State College, where he fell shamelessly and madly in love with Emma Lee Reed, to whom he would devote himself for the next 51 years. His career was his passion, and he spent 36 years as a classroom teacher of Expressive Arts and English Language Arts at Mars Middle School. While there, he also developed and directed one of the area's first student-run morning news programs. He also created the Native American Indian Club at the school, which worked to build not only knowledge of the indigenous culture but also allowed students the opportunity to grow in confidence and build personal strengths.

In addition to his teaching career, David was also a concert mime and storyteller, teaching classes and performing across the country during the 1980s and 1990s. His passion for helping young people also led him to volunteer in many capacities at Camp Lutherlyn over the decades. His personal hobbies included art appreciation, writing, old cowboy movies (especially ones with Roy Rogers) and spending time with his "other woman," his Tennessee Walker mare, Savannah.

He is survived by his wife, Emma Lee (Reed) Hartle; his two daughters, Jennifer H. F. Fink (Eric) and Jessica R. Patterson (Bernard); his grandchildren, Jeremy David Fink, Marilyn Fink, Ryan Blank and Lucia Patterson; his three sisters, Kathy Urban (Alan), Mary Kay Kicher (John) and Lou Ann Robbins (Tom); his seven brothers, Frank Jr. (Lorraine), Ron (Linda), Brian (Providence), Gary (Gina), Jim, Michael (Kim) and Patrick (Christine); dozens of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins; as well as thousands of students.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth (Morrissey) Hartle; his father, Francis X. Hartle Sr.; his son-in-law, Terry Frederick; his sister-in-law, Teresa (Rine) Hartle; and his brother-in-law, George Robbins.

The ultimate teacher who never missed an opportunity to enlighten others, David has donated his remains to the University of Pittsburgh through the Pennsylvania Humanity Gifts Registry.

HARTLE — A memorial service will be held in the months to come for David William Hartle, who died Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David Hartle's honor to the Lutherlyn Equestrian Center, P.O. Box 355, Prospect, PA 16052, or through the camp's webpage at https://www.lutherlyn.com/support/donate/.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.