John                Hartigan, Sr

John “Jack” Thomas Hartigan, Sr, 92, died peacefully with his daughter at his side January 3, at Filosa Convalescent Center, Danbury.

Mr Hartigan was born February 1, 1912, in Pittsburgh, Penn., and lived for most of his life in Oakhurst, N.J. He later retired to New Port Richey, Fla., for 20 years.

He was predeceased by his father Thomas A. Hartigan in 1924 and his mother Marie Thomas Hartigan in 1968.

Surviving in Connecticut are his daughter Marianne “Mimi” Hartigan and her husband William Malkin of Newtown; grandchildren Ernest Lattanzio of Bethel, Lynn Lattanzio and her fiancé Dean Yeager of Monroe, Lisa and her husband James Sheridan of Sandy Hook; and Jack’s great-granddaughters, Emma and Maggie Sheridan.

Surviving in New Jersey is his daughter Larraine Hartigan Nonnenberg of Neptune; grandchildren, Hank Nonnenberg and his wife Gwen Moran, Theresa and her husband, David Ayers, Todd Nonnenberg and his fiancé Kerry Trontz, and Heather Nonnenberg; and great-grandchildren, Gabrielle Nonnenberg-Reid, Joshua Ayers, and Abigail Nonnenberg.

Surviving in New Mexico is a son, John T. Hartigan, Jr, Conchas Dam, and grandsons, John and Michael Hartigan.

Mr Hartigan was the last surviving ironworker who worked on the construction of the Empire State Building in the 1930s. He was recognized by the Empire State Building Administration staff in 1978 and received a commemorative award while participating in a 1984 documentary about the building of the Empire State Building and other world skyscrapers. He shared many colorful stories of his days as a young apprentice working on the construction of the world’s then-tallest building.

Jack was later a dining car steward for the Pennsylvania Railroad, retiring after 34 years of service. He enjoyed cooking, fishing off the New Jersey beaches, but was happiest when he was ballroom dancing, singing, or playing musical instruments whenever he could. He had an uncanny ability to play music by ear with no formal training.

At Mr Hartigan’s request there will be no services. A private family memorial service will be held in New Jersey at a later date.

Donations may be made in his memory to Canine Advocates of Newtown, Inc, PO Box 236, Newtown CT 06470 or The American Red Cross of Western Connecticut, 2 Terrace Place, Danbury CT 06910.

The Newtown Bee        January 7, 2005