David Bruce “Dave” Hartman
November 16, 1956 - May 26, 2022
David Bruce “Dave” Hartman, age 65, of Newark, DE, passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2022.
Born in Mannington, NJ, on November 16, 1956, he was the son of the late Glenn S. Hartman and the late Shirley Ann (Sparks) Grant. Dave made his career as a school bus driver for the Christina School District, where everyone there was like family to him. He retired after many years of dedicated service.
Dave was a volunteer firefighter for many decades at Aetna Hose, Hook, Ladder Co., Christiana Fire Co., and Clayton Fire Co. He also loved to hang out with his barmates at Walt’s Bar.
In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his brother, Glenn Hartman. He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Derocili; granddaughters, Lena and Sanai; and dear friends, Steve and Sandy Moore and their children, Angela and Andrew.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Monday, June 20, 2022, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. Interment will be held privately.
Kimberly Killen
Dave you will always be in my heart not a day goes by I don’t think about you. I’m gonna miss you so damn much. I love you Hartman ❤❤
Mary
Prayers for all that loved you. You were a good friend n a wonderful person. You are missed n will be forever
Sandra Moore
RIP dear friend!
Brian Reeder
Thank you for your service and time dedicated to the Christiana Fire Company.
Brian Reeder
President
Christiana Fire Co
Linda
I was so fortunate to have you in my life for so long. I met you when you were a dispatcher at Christina Transportation, and then became a Specialist there. (you didn’t like wearing the dress clothes , even though you looked great in them. )
But there was never ONE job. You worked there, you worked driving activities at night, you worked at the toll plaza during the weekends, and when it snowed, you were out with DOT plowing. I remember you working during a blizzard 24 hours straight, grabbing a couple of hours of sleep, and then going back to the bus yard. You never stopped.
On the dispatch radio you were always so cool, under some really stressful circumstances. First Responder poise, there. Leeanne and I used to crack up in the front office listening to some of the calls, especially the last runs calling in for a radio check on a Friday afternoon.
You were so great to work with, and you kept everyone laughing.
You loved being a Firefighter, and at the heart of it, that was who you were. Inside out.
On a personal note, thank you for always being my “Plus One” and making me yours on so many really great occasions. Thank you for all the dances…you were a crazy dancer, and I loved dancing with you.
Thank you for all the road trips, and Sunday dinners, and for being here or at Diane’s for the holidays.
Thank you for being my Family.
Thank you for being one of the best friends a girl could ask for. There was never a time that I needed you that you weren’t right there. We walked through some tough times together, losing my Mom, losing yours, and the good times, when we celebrated family and your new Granddaughters, and then getting older, and what limitations that set, and how we dealt with that. We always seemed to be able to find the humor in it.
You worked so hard, and you played so hard. You lived a remarkable life, Dave.
There are so many people that love you so dearly, and are missing you so much. I hope you know that.
So when I see you now, I see you walking straight, and breathing easy, and no doubt you are with Betty
Looking to get into some kind of trouble.
You were my ‘every day’, and that is how I will miss you. Every Day.
Rest Easy, Sparky
I love you.
Don Thorp
The first time I really interact with Dave is when he invited my wife and I to his Mom’s last birthday party before she passed.
I had always enjoyed listening to Dave when he was on the our radio he was easy to understand and clear to the point .
Dave always seemed to be working at the bus yard , toll booth ,plowing for the Highway and a volunteer for the fire department.
The last interaction with Dave was right before Betty M passed . My wife and I was over to visit Betty (per Pam Aspril call to come) This was the day after I had come home from the hospital Dave walked in he didn’t recognize me at first but when he realized who I was he got excited.
Dave will be missed by many people .
Leeanne
You were so much over and above a great bus driver at Christina School transportation. You kept the trauma going smoothly. You were a human GPS with the firehouse experience and skill to go along with your friendly personality, perfect radio dispatcher and co worker, even tho working many hours. I give you all the respect in the world. Thank you for always being there for your closest friends. You have so many friends who miss you, you blessed our world.
Tarisa Morley
Dave you will be deeply missed. Until we meet again Fly high now Brother till we meet again.
Wilma Jones DeRosa
Be at peace and fly with the angels Dave!!😇😇