Robert E. Hartzell Jr., 84, of Whitehall, died April 15, 2026. He was the husband of Janet Louise Haas Hartzell of Whitehall

He was a son of Robert and Josephine (DeLucia) Hartzell of Allentown.

He attended Sacred Heart School. He graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1959 and went on to Temple University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy in 1964.

In 1968, he purchased Sterner’s Pharmacy at Front and Pine streets, Catasauqua, and reopened it as Hartzell’s Pharmacy. Over the years, he grew and expanded the business to include home medical equipment in the 1980s; natural supplements, nutrition and compounding in the 1990s; and immunizations in the 2000s. He moved locations in 1978 and 2003. He served as president until 2012, when he passed the reins to his son. He retired in 2020.

He was a member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church, where he served as an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist and a dedicated usher.

He was active in Boy Scouts of America, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He played the trumpet and he and his brother formed a dance band called The Blendtones.

He was involved in local athletics, both as a participant and a coach. He was active in youth community athletic associations and coached youth basketball and baseball, mentoring countless young athletes over the years.

He is survived by a daughter, Brenda with Steve Ransdell of Eldersburg, Md.; two sons, Vincent with Kristen of Bethlehem and Brian with Amanda of Quakertown; a twin brother, Richard V. and wife Anna Marie; and six grandchildren, Lauren with Robert Curtis, Emma, Alisa, Taylor, Logan and Cooper.

There will be a calling time 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian burial noon, April 23 at the church, 618 Fullerton Ave., Whitehall, 18052.

Contributions may be made to the church or online at sercc.org; or to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hyland Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306, or online at t2t.org.

Arrangements were made by Gilbert Funeral Home Inc., Whitehall.