Mr. Jerome T. Hartle

Jerome T. “Jerry” Hartle, 73, of Kutztown, passed away on Friday, September 3, 2021 in his residence. He was the loving husband of Susan M. (May) “Sue” Hartle, whom he married on August 24, 1968.

Born in Sewickley, Allegheny County, PA, Jerry was a son of the late John F. Hartle, II and Myrtle (Deardorff) Hartle. He was a 1965 graduate of Emmaus High School, and a graduate of Kutztown State College, now Kutztown University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1969 and master’s degree in 1971, both in Elementary Education.

Jerry was a teacher, educator, and mentor in the Kutztown Area School District for 36 ½ years. He first taught second grade for two years, but for most of his career, was a sixth-grade teacher at Kutztown Elementary School, until 2001, when sixth grade was moved to the Middle School. Jerry retired in 2005 to help take care of his granddaughters. While employed by the school district, Jerry served as the Chief Negotiator for the Kutztown Area Teacher’s Association (KATA) and was the coordinator for the Elementary School Safety Patrol.

Having a passion for education, Jerry served as a teacher for the Young Readers / Young Writers summer program through West Chester University. He was also involved with the Kutztown community having been a former coach for KYAA, manager of the community swimming pool for many years, scorekeeper and referee for Kutztown Area High School’s Boys’ Basketball, and a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ.

Jerry and Sue had a love for dogs. Over the years, they were the proud owners of several four-legged companions. They became members of Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs and volunteered their time taking their dogs to local schools, nursing homes, Lehigh Valley Hospital, and Lehigh Valley International Airport. In his free time, Jerry enjoyed playing bridge, trips to Hawk Mountain, and spending time with his family and friends. In his younger years, Jerry earned his Eagle Scout award and also enjoyed playing tennis and church softball.

Along with his wife of 53 years, Sue, Jerry is survived by his three sons, Matthew P. Hartle, Santa Cruz, CA, Thomas J., husband of Angel E. (Schell) Hartle, Chagrin Falls, OH, and Joshua J., husband of Andrea C. (Gaitan) Hartle, Chester, NJ; five granddaughters, Sara, Lara, Erin, Ava and Lia Hartle; sister, Joan M. (Hartle) Finkelstein, wife of Jesse Finkelstein, Port St. Lucie, FL; and sister-in-law, Eleanor (Leach) “Ellie” Hartle, widow of predeceased brother, James R. Hartle.

In addition to his parents, John, II and Myrtle, and brother, James, Jerome was predeceased by another brother, John F. Hartle, III.

A memorial service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held on Friday, September 10, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in St. John’s United Church of Christ, 257 W. Walnut Street, Kutztown, with The Reverend Scott M. Sanders officiating.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the church. Burial will be held privately by his family. Masks will be required to be worn inside the church.

Click to View Memorial Tribute

The family requests memorial contributions be made in Jerry’s memory to St. John’s UCC, 257 W. Walnut Street, Kutztown, PA  19530 or The Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online at www.alz.org .

Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Kutztown is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com .