05/08/2026
It is with great sadness that we make this post regarding the passing of Richard Hartley, past Commander of VFW Post 6710. Please keep his wife, Marilyn, and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Richard was an amazing friend and mentor. He was an integral part of making VFW Post 6710 what it is today. He was there every step of the way during the recent remodel, and brought many great ideas to keep the Post moving forward, including starting the weekly pool tournaments that members still enjoy to this day. He and Marilyn were great support for the Post, and he always had a joke ready, even on his hard days. We’ll always remember your favorite pizza, “half pepperoni with light sauce and not too well done”. Rest in peace, Richard. We’ll miss you and cherish your memory always.
Richard Dale "Rich" Hartley, Sr., age 75, of Wilmington, passed away May 5, 2026 at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati. He was born September 29, 1950 in Wilmington, Ohio, the son of the late Maurice Dale and Veda Mae (Davis) Hartley. Richard had served his Country for nearly 23 years in the United States Navy and began farming upon retiring from the Navy. He belonged to the American Legion Post #49 in Wilmington, the American Legion Post #25 in Washington C.H., the Wilmington Fraternal Order of Eagles 1224, the Blanchester Fraternal Order of Eagles 2222 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6710 of Wilmington. Richard enjoyed doing puzzles, playing softball, and especially loved camping. Those left behind to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 57 years, Marilyn (Gray) Hartley, to whom he married January 27, 1969; his children, Wanda (Brent) Curtis, Denise (Everett) Bennett, Rich (Eric) Hartley and Shawn Hartley; siblings Randy (Joe) Hartley and Susan Meineke; grandchildren, Michael (Kendra), Bryan (Rachel), Blake (Morgan), Brandon, Brittany, Brianna, (Xander), Kaylie, Kylie (Seth), Rosemary, Everett III (Tara), Jodi (Timothy), Kristopher (Katie) and Sienna; nieces, Veda, Kelly (Rhonda), Nikki (Brian), Candice, Monica (Randy) and Terrie (Lonnie); nephews, Patrick (Rebecca), John, and Joe (Mary Alice); and numerous great and great-great grandchildren, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by his three grandchildren, Nicholas, Dustin and Justin; and two brothers, Thomas and John Philip Hartley. Military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #49 Honor Guard of Wilmington in honor of Richard's long and dedicated service in the United States Navy. Military honors will begin at 1:45 p.m. Wednesday May 13, 2026, outside Brown Funeral Home. Following military honors, public visitation will take place until 4:00 p.m. at which time funeral services will begin. Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is assisting the family. To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.arehart-brown.com or visit the page, Brown Funeral Home.
