Retired Jeannette police captain was devoted to community

Paul Hartung wore a Jeannette Jayhawks watch that he never took off.

“I think he loved serving his community, he had such pride in Jeannette,” said his daughter, Paula Jesiolkiewic.

In the 1950s, Mr. Hartung applied for a job with the city fire department. He instead was offered a job as a police officer and served with the department for 34 years.

“I think he was well-respected by the citizens, and everyone who worked on the police force at the time,” said former police Chief Carl Shifko.

Paul Hartung, 92, died Tuesday, May 19, 2020.

He was born Sept. 6, 1927, in Jeannette to the late Charles and Alice Metzger Hartung.

He played center for the Jeannette football team in high school and went on to play football at Penn State. He went to college two semesters before dropping out to join the Army during World War II.

Jesiolkiewic remembers her father working long hours at the police department, then coming home to spend time with his family and tend his garden.

“That’s the hardest working guy I know,” she said.

Mr. Hartung was a senior officer by the time Shifko joined the department. Mr. Hartung helped mentor many young officers, Shifko said.

“If you needed any help or guidance, he was one you could really turn to,” Shifko said. “He knew how to do the job, and he was a good teacher.”

Mr. Hartung was a captain when he retired in 1988.

He found a new career after retirement as a golf professional at Cloverleaf Golf Club. He was an avid golfer and a founding member of the Jeannette Golf Club.

He was active throughout his life. Even in his 90s, he enjoyed golfing and gardening.

“Family meant everything to him, and he loved life,” his daughter said.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Church and several community groups, including the Jeannette Italian Club and the M&S Club.

Mr. Hartung is survived by his wife, Mary Katharine Steiner Hartung; children, Timothy P. Hartung and wife Holly of Ossining, N.Y., Randall F. Hartung of Cypress, Texas, Daniel C. Hartung of Holiday, Fla., and Paula C. Jesiolkiewic and husband John of McMurray; and seven grandchildren.

Private funeral services were arranged by the John V. Graziano Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be held at a future time and place to be announced.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.