In Loving Memory of
Douglas Charles Hartwell, Sr.
May 20, 1935 – September 25, 2024
The Villages, Florida

With broken hearts, we are sad to formally announce the passing of our beloved dad, Douglas Charles Hartwell, Sr.
Douglas passed away on September 25th, 2024, at the age of 89, after spending two days in hospice care in The Villages, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 20th, 1935, in Worcester, Massachusetts, he was the only child of Charles and Geraldine (Gardner) Hartwell.

Douglas will be remembered as a wonderful and supportive father and husband, a true gentleman known for his generous heart, playful spirit, and caring nature. He encouraged his children to love one another and lived out his deep commitment to family and Jesus every day of his life.
He grew up in Worcester, where he made friends quickly – most notably his lifelong friend, Calvin Royal, with whom he shared many golf games well into their senior years. As a boy, Douglas had a beloved dog named Tiny – and even a pet monkey named Cheetah! Later in life, his prized pug, Little Bit, would be his loyal companion for 15 years.

Douglas attended Worcester Public Schools and graduated from the High School of Commerce. After high school, he began working at the greeting card company Paper Craft in Worcester, where he met Jacqueline Lorraine White. The two fell in love, married, and built a life together, raising four children.

Soon after marrying, Douglas proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he became a Military Police officer. He also served in the Army National Guard. After his military service, Douglas pursued a lifelong career in bookbinding and printing, working for Wesby & Sons, Washington Press, and Heffernan Press, among others. His skill and dedication eventually led him to supervisory roles, including bindery supervisor and pre-press supervisor. Later, he transitioned into real estate, working as an agent for Century 21. His integrity and work ethic made a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Douglas had a natural talent for the arts. He was a published poet, an avid photographer, and a self-taught cartoonist who saw the world through a creative lens. His lifelong love of photography resulted in a treasure trove of family photos – capturing decades of joy, milestones, and moments of fun and folly. He passed along his passion for music to his children, often singing and whistling songs around the house, and fully supported their artistic pursuits. He even served as a proud manager for his sons’ early rock bands, Overdrive and Thunder Road – complete with business cards that read “Manager: D.C. Hartwell.”

Douglas appreciated life’s simple pleasures: feeding birds, watching squirrels and chipmunks, enjoying a good book, listening to a well-delivered sermon, and savoring a home-cooked meal (as long as it wasn’t fish!). He loved anything chocolate, completing crossword puzzles, dancing, and laughing at a good comedy. He delighted in writing and receiving heartfelt cards, and he was a generous supporter of worthy causes.
Douglas was a devoted Christian who committed his heart to Jesus in his 40s and allowed his faith to guide his life. He was a loving and steadfast husband to his beloved Jacqueline during her long battle with cancer, caring for her tenderly until her passing in 2005 after 50 years of marriage.
In his later years, Douglas found joy in golfing, prayer, and meaningful time spent with friends and family. In 2009, he moved to The Villages, Florida, where he met Anita Cardos. After a whirlwind romance, the two married in 2010 and enjoyed a honeymoon cruising the Greek Islands together – a beautiful beginning to the final chapter of his life, filled with laughter, love, and companionship.
Douglas is survived by his beloved wife, Anita Cardos-Hartwell of The Villages, Florida, and his four children:
Douglas Charles Hartwell Jr. and his wife Cheryl of Calabasas, California
David Calvin Hartwell and Lorraine Joy Hartwell of Worcester, Massachusetts
Daniel Clark Hartwell and his partner Kerri Smith of Florida
And by his two grandsons: Leif Karl Hartwell and Charles Paul Hartwell.

He leaves behind a legacy of creativity, kindness, music, and love. His presence will be missed dearly, but his spirit lives on in the hearts of those he loved.

A private memorial service for Douglas will be held on Friday, May 16th, at Memorial Park in Paxton, Massachusetts. A Celebration of Life will follow on Saturday, May 17th, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., in the event room of the Holden Chapel in Holden, Massachusetts. All friends of the family are welcomed to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Douglas in a way he would have loved – Sing. Whistle. Dance. Laugh!