Blanche Hartnett
June 22, 1938 - March 27, 2026
Blanche Hartnett, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2026.
Born on June 22, 1938, in Penns Grove, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Elizabeth Raciti. Blanche graduated from William Penn High School in 1956. That same year, she met her future husband at a dance, beginning a love story that led to their marriage in 1958. Together, they were blessed with three children.
Blanche began her professional life at New Castle Trust, where she worked until the birth of her first child in 1962. After her children started school, she returned to the workforce in a variety of part-time roles, including serving as an aide at Castle Hills School, working as a secretary for H&R Block, and assisting in the summer school library at Castle Hills.
Her strong work ethic led her into retail, where she worked at Hickory Farms and eventually became a full-time manager. In 1997, Blanche began her final chapter at Kohl’s, where she remained until her retirement in 2023.
Blanche truly enjoyed working with people and formed many lasting friendships throughout her life. She cherished those connections, especially the special bond she shared with her sister-in-law and dear friend of over 50 years, Barbara Hartnett.
In addition to her parents, Blanche was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, John J. Hartnett, Sr. She is survived by her brother, Joseph Raciti; children, Michael “Tony”, John Jr. (Stacey), and Tina; her grandchildren whom she adored, Joshua, Jeremy, Tiffany, Kara, and Steven; and 1 great granddaughter.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 pm until 3 pm on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Hope Lutheran Church, 230 Christiana Road, New Castle, DE 19720, where a memorial service will begin at 3 pm. A committal service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE 19701.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Blanche’s memory to Hope Lutheran Church at the address above.
Krista McCrea
Miss Blanche will always hold a special place in my heart! She was a wonderful friend to my mom and to our family. We loved her dearly
Joan Maxwell
I remember Blanche from my teaching days at Castle Hills Elementary. She was such a sweetheart. I lost track of her over the years. To her family , I am so sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace.
Joanne Dougherty
Blanche was a dear friend and someone I was lucky to work with at Hickory Farms. We had such a great time together — her warmth and that wonderfully quirky sense of humor always matched mine perfectly. Those days are some of my fondest memories, and I will always treasure them. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family. May the joy she brought to so many lives bring you comfort and peace