Frank H. Hartenstein

Frank H. Hartenstein, age 84, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on November 17, 2024. He was born in Bridgeton, NJ to Frank and Leola (Ayars) Hartenstein, and a proud graduate of Bridgeton High School, class of 1958. He worked at A&P stores then operated a printing press at Price Brothers in Bridgeton, NJ. In 1974, he moved to Delaware with his three daughters as a journeyman pressman at Kaumagraph and Litho Print. He then worked his dream job at Delaware Park for 22 years as a horseracing teller.

In 1967 his first wife, Frances, passed away. In June 1978, he married his second wife and together they blended their lives and families. Frank was extremely proud of his family and time together was very special to him. He was a lifelong cheerleader for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at sporting events, concerts, and plays. He was an avid fisherman and proudly passed on his love of the water, fishing, and crabbing to his children and grandchildren. A day on his boat was always filled with big catches and tons of laughter. His favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, was never complete without the decades-old tradition of the “grands” coming to his table to make and pack the turkey with homemade stuffing balls.

Frank enjoyed sports and rarely missed watching the Philadelphia Phillies, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was a lifelong member of the Pulaski Legion where he enjoyed time with friends and his son playing shuffleboard. In recent years, he looked forward to Delaware Park crew luncheons and joining his wife at Girl Scout alumni luncheons. For 39 years, he was a member of Peniel UM Church, where everyone adored him and appreciated his homemade 7-Up cakes and soup.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Leola Hartenstein, and his first wife, Frances (VanMeter) Hartenstein. He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years and best friend, Judy (Oldham); their children, Dawn Miller (Rocky), Debbie Riley (James), Beth O’Grady, and Mark Driver (Madelyn). He was Pop-Pop to grandchildren; Frank, Missy (Mystery), Matt, Malcolm, Jaime, James III, and Thomas. He was Triple-Pop to great grands; Kaitlyn, Wyatt, Mason, Ben, Theo, Savannah (Susquehanna), James IV, Clementine, Shepherd, Jettson, Cora and Miles. He is also survived by his sisters, Lee (Tom) Olney and Robin (Rick) Fennig, sisters-in-law, Merilyn McLaughlin and Carla Sites, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family invites friends to celebrate Frank’s life at Peniel United Methodist Church, 115 East Market Street-Newport, Wilmington, DE on Saturday, November 23 at 1:00 PM, where visitation will begin at 12:00 PM. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, Frank’s family would appreciate contributions to Peniel United Methodist Church.