Erman Lee Hartmann

With sadness we announce the passing of Erman Lee Hartmann “Erm”, 85, of McMurray, PA, peacefully at home on July 28, 2026. He was born on Father’s Day, June 15, 1941 in Brownsville, PA to Erman and Eleanor Hartmann.  Erm’s life was defined by a deep love and commitment to his family, placing their needs above his own and supporting them in every endeavor. 

On August 8, 1964 he married JoDee Ratica and celebrated many happy memories for almost 62 years.  Erm was the loving father to Lianne (Stephen) DeFelices, Kristen Hartmann, and Renee Hartmann; proud “Pap” to Alexandra and Dante DeFelices; cherished brother to William (Rebecca) Hartmann and Elizabeth (Stanley) Toma. He was also blessed with many nieces, nephews, cousins and life-long friends.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his in-laws Alexander and Josephine Matyi and brother and sister-in-law, James and Glenda Hartmann.

Erm graduated from Brownsville High School in 1959 where he excelled in academics and athletics playing basketball and baseball.  He then attended California State College where he was the starting shortstop on the baseball team for four years and was a member of the first California team to qualify for the NAIA World Series in St. Joseph, MO. He graduated in 1963 with a major in Secondary Education.  From 1963-1967 he taught mathematics at Fort Hunt High School in Fairfax County, Virginia.  Erm and his family moved back to PA and spent the next 30 years with the Upper St. Clair School District.  During these years he coached the boy’s basketball and baseball teams.  In 1972 Erm received a Master of Mathematics degree from Penn State University.

Throughout his life, Erm was deeply committed to his profession and his community.  He was an avid sports enthusiast who served as an official for football, baseball, softball, volleyball and swimming.  He was honored to officiate several WPIAL Championship football games at Three Rivers Stadium and several high school and college state playoff softball games.  During his retirement, he continued serving others by preparing income tax returns through the AARP Tax-Aide program. Erm always returned to his hometown roots in Brownsville, by helping plan class reunions, volunteering at the Flatiron Building and was a member of the Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation (BARC).  He was a long time member of Ben’s Men Club and generously volunteered as an usher, money counter and dedicated worker at the Fish Fries at St. Benedict the Abbot Church.  He was an active member of the Brownsville Sons of Italy, Italian American Heritage Society (ITAM) in Canonsburg and the Finleyville Italian Gumba Society (FIGS), where he enjoyed fellowship and supporting community activities.  Erm and JoDee loved 50s and 60s music and always found time to attend oldies concerts and dances.  His lifelong dedication to education, service, and community involvement left a lasting impact on the many lives he touched.  He will be deeply missed but his memory will remain with us forever.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on August 9, 2026 from 2 pm-6 pm at Pittsburgh Cremation and Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA, 15317. A mass of Christian burial will be held on August 10, 2026 at 10 am at St. Benedict the Abbott Church – St. John XXIII Parish, 120 Abington Drive, McMurray, PA, 15317. Everyone please meet at the church. Burial will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Erm’s honor to the St. John XXlll Interfaith Food Pantry or a charity of your choice.