Ben Hartman, age 83 of Levittown PA, passed away May 18, 2016 at St. Mary’s hospital after a short illness surrounded by his loving family.

Born at home, and raised in Trenton, NJ, he was a resident of Levittown for the past 50 yrs. He was the loving son of Ira & Helen (Caulton) Hartman. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Ira (Bud) Hartman Jr. & David Lloyd Hartman.

Ben proudly served in the US Navy, serving on the USS FDR and the USS Intrepid. He was so proud to visit the Intrepid Museum in NY with his family later in life. He also would love to tell the story of how his ship was there for the wedding of Grace Kelly in Monaco and how he and his friends were kicked out of a bull fight in Spain for cheering for the bull.

Ben was a volunteer firefighter and ambulance driver of the Rusling Hose Fire Department in Trenton, NJ. He worked for Guido’s garden center, Grossman’s lumber and the Pennsbury school district.

Ben worked very hard his entire life providing for his family. He was a kind, loving, and gentle man who loved his family and friends. If you were his friend, you were his friend for life. Ben was a hugger, you were sure to get one when he first saw you and when you said your goodbyes. He was a Christian and a faithful member of New Life Christian Church in Newtown, PA. He loved to travel with his wife to many places around the United States, especially out west where he would buy new wolf sweatshirts to add to his collection. His most favorite was their Alaskan cruise and going to Yosemite National Park. He also enjoyed going to Disney World.

Ben is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Ronelle (Fink) Hartman and his children Jill (Tim) Karl, Daniel (Susan), Glenn (Britta) and Lisa Hartman; his grandchildren, of whom he was so proud of, Lauren (Michael) Riggs, Daniel Hartman (his wonderful girlfriend Ashley), Sarah Karl, Tim Karl, and Sabina Hartman. He is also survived by his great-granddaughters, Brynn & Camryn Riggs. He will also be missed by his furry children, Molly & Misty.

The family would also like to thank the wonderful nurses at the St. Mary’s CCU unit for their diligent, amazing, and caring assistance. Especially Lisa, Donna, Nancy and Maura, also his homecare nurse Ida.

A celebration of Ben’s Life will be held at New Life Christian Church,4 Freedom Drive, Newtown PA 18940 officiated by the Rev. Dr. Norman J. Leve, on Tuesday evening May 31^st with visitation at 5pm followed by service at 7:00pm . There will be a brief service at New Life Christian Church on Wednesday June 1^st, at 10:00am. Interment will be at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA.

In lieu of flowers we would like donations, in his name, made to Puppies Behind Bars. This organization helps provide service dogs for veterans. Please contact www.PuppiesBehindBars.com. Donations can also be made to New Life Christian Church at the above mentioned address.

Last but not least, give a loved one a hug tell them you love them. It would have been what Ben would have done.