Obituary: Frederick “Sonny” Robert Hartman, 87, of Hamden

HAMDEN, CT - (From From Wallingford Funeral Home) Frederick Robert Hartman, “Sonny” to his family and close friends, 87, of Hamden, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 23, 2021 at The Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain after a brief illness.

Born in Hamden on November 6, 1933, he was the son of the late Frederick and Martha (Schott) Hartman.

Fred grew up in Hamden and graduated from Hamden High School. Following graduation, he enlisted into the United States Army and proudly served our country from 1954-1956 with the Berlin 2nd Battalion Fighting 69 while stationed in Germany.

After honorably discharging from the Army, Fred became employed with Suburban Propane Gas in Derby where he worked as a fuel delivery driver for over 30 years until his retirement.

He also worked at the Glenwood Drive-in in Hamden which especially suited his out-going personality.

He was an avid golfer and overall sports enthusiast, especially for the UCONN Huskies Girls Basketball Team. Fred was active throughout retirement, found peace and solace at his beloved spot at the Guilford Town Launch where he’d watch the boats and people coming and going into the harbor.

He made friends wherever he went and made a lasting impression. He loved living at the foot of Sleeping Giant Mountain and spent much of his time at the Sleeping Giant Golf Course where he leaves a piece of his heart for the lifelong friends he made there.

He lived a simple yet abundant life and always, on his own terms.

Fred will be missed but always remembered with love by his son, Paul Hartman and his girlfriend Cindi Tiedemann; his two daughters, Pamela (Hartman) Higgins and Lee Ann (Hartman) Batchelder; his sister, Muriel (Babe) Shumway; several nieces and nephews; his very special adopted daughter, Vanessa (Ferrigno) Doyle and her entire family; and many other special friends and neighbors who cared for him during times of change and challenge.

Some of those special people are Fred’s longtime and trusted friend Carl Swanson, Mark Koczak & his family, and Stacey (Colin) Davie are among many extended family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by 2 sisters and 3 brothers in law, Eleanor and Daniel Crean, Arlene (Bubby) and Chester Kokoszka and Edward Shumway.

To honor his wishes, all services will be held privately. Care of arrangements has been entrusted to The Wallingford Funeral Home. For online condolences, please visit www.wallingfordfh.com.