Thomas L. Hartz

Thomas L. Hartz, 87, of Wernersville and Big Moose Lake, Eagle Bay, New York, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2026.

He was the husband of Donna (Searles) Hartz and a son of the late D. Luther and Grace (Barthold) Hartz. Tom was born in Shillington. He was a beloved husband and uncle and a cherished member of the Phoebe Berks community. He was a graduate of Governor Mifflin High School and Albright College, class of 1961. Tom’s career spanned several decades. He was employed in senior positions at Agway, Inc. and for a period of time, served as the Director of Personnel for Agway Petroleum Corporation. Other employment included President of a regional snack food company in Pennsylvania, owner and operator of convenience stores, and owner of a business consulting service. He was proud to have had AT&T and Bayer (aspirin) as consulting customers.

An avid wood worker, Tom continued a family tradition that transformed his passion into a legacy. A workshop accompanied every home he owned, where he crafted cherished pieces that will long be remembered by his family and friends.

Tom was a kind, thoughtful and generous man who went out of his way to learn about you, and to listen to you – and he had a great sense of humor. Tom also loved his dogs – each of whom was treated like royalty and developed their own personalities. Being a ‘Hartz dog ‘was like winning the dog lottery!

Tom liked to spend all seasons of the year at their home on Big Moose Lake located in the Adirondacks. He was known to say: “The worst day at Big Moose is better than the best day somewhere else.” Tom’s pride and joy was taking his nieces and nephews every year and season to Big Moose.

Tom was predeceased by his first wife, Doris M. (Ulrich) Hartz; sisters, Shirley Kring and Barbara Behney; brothers-in law Paul Kring, Jerry Behney, Eric Ulrich and Richard Ulrich; sisters-in law, Pam Dunlop, Mary Ulrich and Audrey Ulrich; and nephew Rick Ulrich.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Donna Hartz; nephews Jeff, Joel and Jamie Kring and John Ulrich; nieces, Christine Leonhardt and Kim Pirtle; sister-in-law Betty Ulrich; and a proud godfather to Jacob Lux.

A memorial service will be held at on Saturday, October 17, 2:00 pm, at Phoebe Berks Chapel 1 Reading Dr, Wernersville, PA 19565 (Village Community Center).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Phoebe Berks, 1 Reading Drive, Wernersville, PA 19565. Bean Funeral Homes, Sinking Spring, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com