Robert Edgar Hartsock

We mourn the passing of Robert Edgar Hartsock on August 2, 2021 at age 101. Our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend – Dad, you are always in our hearts.

Robert was born in Brooklyn, New York, on October 31, 1919, to Harvey Barton Hartsock and Bess Leoti Hartsock (Taylor). The Hartsock family moved to Irvington in Indianapolis when Robert, the youngest of the children, was 5 years old. (The Hartsock family is featured on the Historic Irvington website.)

Robert attended Arsenal Technical High School and DePauw University. He was a Sigma Nu and swam competitively for DePauw.

After graduation, he enlisted in the US Coast Guard earning the rank of Ltjg. He served as a Gunnery Officer and as a Transport Officer until 1945. He then attended Art Students League in Manhattan before returning to Indianapolis.

Robert was part owner of Design Printing until he retired in 1972 to devote his time to the arts. He was a member of The Indiana Artists Club and the Hoosier Arts Salon. He won numerous awards around the country including a Blue Ribbon at Hoosier Arts Salon in 1984. Other pursuits included swimming and sailing.

Robert became interested in Physics in the early 90s and wrote a paper titled “The Least Particle Theory” which he presented at a seminar at Ball State University in 2009.

He is survived by his wife, Alicia Hartsock (Guerrero); daughter, Rebecca Hartsock Kelly; and son, Kim Anthony Hartsock. He was the grandfather to 4, the great-grandfather to 9, and had 7 nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Frushour (Hartsock), Edith van Westrum (Hartsock), and Hetzer Hartsock and his son, Lawrence Edward Hartsock. He was devoted to the Hartsock family.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted to DePauw University, 201 E. Seminary St., P.O. Box 37, Greencastle, IN 46135-0037 or www.depauw.edu/alumni/giving