Edmund "Deacon Ed" Hartmann Jr.

Edmund M. Hartmann Jr., of Washington, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, at St. Luke's Hospital in Fountain Hill, Pennsylvania. He was 78 years old.

Born on July 25, 1947, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Edmund was the son of the late Dr. Edmund M. Hartmann Sr. and Ellen Hartmann (née Devlin).

Edmund was a graduate of Plainfield High School and later earned his degree from Monmouth College. He began his career with National Starch Company in Manville, New Jersey, in 1971, where he worked as a chemical technician until his retirement in 2006. In addition to his civilian career, Edmund proudly served his country for 27 years in the United States Army Reserves.

A devout Catholic, Edmund dedicated much of his life to serving his faith community. Known to many simply as "Deacon Ed," he served as a Deacon at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Washington, New Jersey, and earned his Certificate of Ministry through St. Elizabeth University in Morristown, New Jersey. Throughout the years, he generously gave his time and talents to numerous church ministries and organizations, including the RCIA Program, Pre-Cana Program, Knights of Columbus, Couples Club, and Catholic Charities.

Edmund's faith guided every aspect of his life. Church was truly his second home, especially following the passing of his beloved wife, Marie, in 2013. He was known for his kind heart, generous spirit, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Whether supporting local causes or contributing to national charities close to his heart, Edmund was a constant giver who found great joy in serving others. Whether he was assisting at Mass, volunteering at church events, helping couples prepare for marriage, or checking bingo numbers with enthusiasm, "Deacon Ed" was a familiar and beloved presence whose kindness, faith, and generosity touched countless lives.

Among his many passions was bingo at St. Joseph's, where his enthusiasm and expertise earned him the affectionate reputation of having a "degree in Bingo Management." He also enjoyed watching football and basketball and looked forward to his annual trips to Wildwood with his wife, a cherished tradition he faithfully continued even after her passing.

Edmund is survived by his loving daughter, Nicole O'Donnell and her husband, Jerry O'Donnell Jr.; his brothers, John Hartmann and Robert Hartmann; his brothers-in-law, Richard Meleo and his wife, Joann, and Robert Meleo and his wife, Patricia; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Edmund was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marie Hartmann, in 2013, and his daughter, Megan, in 1989.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 200 Carlton Avenue, Washington, New Jersey 07882, and again on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will immediately follow at Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Edmund's memory to St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church or to the American Heart Association.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home. To send an online condolence, please visit Warren Hills Memorial Home.