Roger L Hartman

Roger L. Hartman, age 73, of Conklin, passed away September 7, 2017 from complications associated with long-term chronic illness. Mr. Hartman was born in Elmira, NY, and was raised in Horseheads, NY. Roger was predeceased by his parents, Lewis J. and Madeline S. Hartman. He is survived by his dear friend, Diane Dattoria; son, Morgan Hartman (Francine); daughter, Mandy Hartman Graf (Bernhard). Also, he is survived by siblings Richard Hartman (Brenda), Bonnie Phillips and Linda Grover (Coral). In addition, Mr. Hartman is survived by four grandchildren, Gable, Graziella, and George Hartman and Bastian Hartman Graf, and two step-granddaughters, Frankie and Abby Scialabba.

Roger spent a large part of his childhood on the Hartman Farm in Big Flats, NY with his grandparents, uncle and aunt. This time spent working and living on the farm was an important part of who he was, and set the context of his life.  After graduation from Horseheads High School, Roger attended and graduated from Bowling Green State University (Ohio) and Elmira College Graduate Program in Education (NY).  He served two years in the US Peace Corps in Iran.  Mr. Hartman spent his professional career in roles most closely associated with helping others; first as a teacher, later working in the development field at Tri-Cities Opera, Broome Community College (Foundation Director), and the Binghamton Boys & Girls Club Foundation.

Major accomplishments during his career included the planning and fundraising for the Decker Health Science Center on the BCC (SUNY Broome) campus, and building the endowment to the largest of any NYS community college at the time. In 1992, Mr. Hartman was honored by the National Council for Advancement and Support of Education for being the number one private development program nationally among ALL two-year public colleges. Later, Mr. Hartman was instrumental in raising funds for the new home of the Binghamton Boys & Girls Club on Clinton St.

In his spare time, Roger enjoyed singing (having trained and performed for six years at Tri-Cities Opera), gardening, hunting and observing nature. His gardening, and most everything else, was greatly helped by his dear friend, Diane. While physical disability restricted his deer hunting, cousins Ron and Jim Stayer made it possible for him for many years. Roger was an admirably strong and enduring man who lived life to the fullest, always with a friendly smile, despite the hurdles health put it his way. He was a devoted and loving father and grandfather and will be sorely missed.

The family will receive friends at the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Binghamton at 183 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY on Tuesday, September 12 from 4:30 - 7:30 with a short memorial service to follow. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.SavageFS.com.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Binghamton, WSKG, the SUNY Broome Foundation, Binghamton Boys & Girls Club Foundation, Tri-Cities Opera or other cause of one’s choice. Arrangements are by Savage-DeMarco Funeral Service.