Obituary of Peter L. Hartquist

It is with deep and heavy sadness that we announce the death of Peter L. Hartquist, who passed away on September 9th, in Cortland, NY. Peter was born in Cortland in 1936, where he lived in the Homer, NY area for most of his life. He joined the Navy shortly after high school where he developed a love for boats, and returned to Syracuse, NY to pursue his studies at the Simmons School of Mortuary Science. He graduated from Simmons School of Mortuary Science where he became a licensed funeral director. Peter married his childhood girlfriend, Cynthia Ann (Newcomb) Hartquist and he worked in the family funeral business at Briggs Funeral Home in Homer, and later with McEvoy Funeral Home in Cortland. Pete was active in his small family farm for many years and enjoyed being and avid outdoor sportsman. Later in his career Peter pursued a lifelong interest in boating which drove him to achieve his Merchant Marine Captains license. Now "Captain Pete" as he was sometimes known secured a position at the Old Greenwich Yacht Club in Greenwich, Connecticut as head captain of the launch service which he truly enjoyed. Peter enjoyed his family, life in general and his interaction with people. Pete was a true horse trader; always making deals and meeting new people. With his keen ability to make a short story long, folks always enjoyed his conversations and tales of his life's adventures. Peter was truly the patriarch of the family and enjoyed passing along the family genealogy and many lifelong lessons which helped his children through the years. Peter was pre-deceased by his wife Cynthia. He is survived by his brother, Thomas William (Diana) Hartquist; his son, Steven William (Alison) Hartquist, daughter Pamela Lynn Hartquist; and four grandchildren Stephanie Lauren, Kyle William, Meagan Elizabeth, and Rebecca Ann Hartquist. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 1:00-3:00 PM at Wright Beard Funeral Home 9 Lincoln Ave. Cortland. The family suggests that no flowers are necessary; instead, donations can be made to your favorite local charity, or the Disabled Veterans 91 Owego St. Cortland NY 13045 ATT: DAV Transportation.