Timothy Hartnett

Timothy Campbell Hartnett, 61, passed away peacefully at his home in the early
hours of April 9, 2020. A local musician, librarian, disc jockey, and volunteer for
numerous causes, he lived a gratifying and fulfilled life. He shared his joy in living
with his family, friends, students, SUNY-Plattsburgh colleagues, and his dog, Saka.
On May 8, 1958, Tim came into the world to the delight of his three older sisters
and parents, William and Francesca Hartnett. He was born in Worcester, MA,
where he lived until 1963 when his family relocated to Newton Highlands, MA.
Tim quickly made friends in the neighborhood where he played baseball and
frisbee, idolized by his younger brother and sister. The Hartnetts moved to
Plattsburgh, NY in 1968. Broad Street School welcomed Tim at age 10. He later
enrolled in Campus School and cemented friendships that lasted a lifetime.
A 1976 PHS graduate, Tim went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at
SUNY-Plattsburgh. As a History major, he delighted in learning about our local,
state and national story, with a unique interest in US presidents. He worked at
the Plattsburgh Public Library and Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System, and
discovered that he enjoyed helping others with their own research.
Tim earned a Master of Library and Information Science from SUNY-Albany in
1983. He was hired at his undergraduate alma mater, working as an academic
reference librarian at SUNY-Plattsburgh’s Feinberg Library for 35 years. He
focused on research skills, teaching/learning, information literacy, government
documents, and collaborative library programs. Tim believed that the people of
Plattsburgh deserve to reap the benefits that the college has to offer and vice
versa. He compiled a fifty-year chronology of Plattsburgh concerts, performances,
and speakers, a labor of love that invites others to recall the cultural significance
of these events.
Tim brought people together in many different ways and from different walks of
life, introducing friends to friends, creating a rich community in his wake. He knew
an astonishing number of people by first name. His ever-expanding circle came to
include fellow dog-walkers of the West End. Tim’s care and concern for animal
well-being was evident, as he served as Board President of the Adirondack
Humane Society for many years.
A natural musician, Tim could listen to a song just one time and then play it on
piano or guitar. He performed in many local bands throughout his life, and
enthusiastically supported countless fellow musicians. Tim’s involvement in the
college’s bluegrass program found him team-teaching and mentoring the Cardinal
Pickers. He was accomplished in so many ways, yet remained humble.
Tim appreciated everyday things: talking to his neighbors, visiting with his mom,
petting the local dogs, Keene Valley swimming holes, kayaking, kitchen
sing-a-longs, cheering for the Red Sox, Celtics, and Cardinal women’s ice hockey
team. He loved the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain in all seasons, as
well as trips to Montreal, Lake Placid or Burlington for dining and concerts. It is
widely known that Tim loved to eat! He was always game to share a snack,
milkshake or meal. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his
nephews, niece, and chosen niece, Nicole Delcore Kaifetz.
Many friends and colleagues have come forward with stories and remembrances
of their history with Tim. Nearly all have claimed he was “the nicest person I have
ever met.” Tim’s religion was kindness and inclusion, and he brought a warm
presence to his interactions with people. He listened, was there, ready and
willing to participate in the lives of his “people” -- young, old, family or friends --
even strangers in need of direction or companionship. Tim’s calm reassurance
was relied on by many, and his humor and musicianship were legendary and
entertaining. He will be missed and mourned, sung about and celebrated in the
hearts of many, many folks.
Tim was preceded in death by his father Bill in 1993. Left to carry forward Tim’s
memory are his mother, Francesca, siblings Michaela Armstrong, Marita Hartnett,
Seana Remillard (Patrick), Jonathan Hartnett, and Cassandra Hartnett (Marianne
Taylor). Tim’s nephews are Rubin Remillard (Blakeley) and Eli Remillard (Linda Yu),
niece Alexandra Hartnett, and great-niece Titania Remillard. His family of choice
holds far too many to mention. He loved them all.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jan Duus of Fitzpatrick Cancer Center, all of
Tim’s care team, Hospice nurse Katie LePage, and Ellen O’Hara for extraordinary
care during his journey with lung cancer. At Tim’s request, those interested may
donate to https://www.cvph.org/Foundation/Waystogive-Memorial (specify
Fitzpatrick Cancer Center), or Hospice of the North Country
https://hospicenc.org/Donate .
A celebration of Tim’s life will take place at a later date to be announced.