Robert E. “Bob” Hartzell Jr., 84, of Whitehall, died April 15, 2026.

Born to Robert and Josephine (DeLucia) Hartzell, of Allentown, he was raised alongside his twin brother, Richard. He was a lifelong member of the Lehigh Valley community and a devoted member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, where he served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and a dedicated usher.

He attended Sacred Heart School and was active in the Boy Scouts of America, earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

He played trumpet in his grade school and high school bands and, along with his brother, formed a dance band called “The Blendtones,” performing throughout the Lehigh Valley during their high school and college years.

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 degree in 1964.

In 1968, he purchased Sterner’s Pharmacy at Front and Pine streets in 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 — moving locations in 1978 and again in 2003 to support that growth.

He served as president until 2012, when he passed the reins to his son. He remained a trusted and familiar face to generations of customers, and even after retiring in 2020, he continued to be present at the store, offering guidance, stocking shelves, sharing stories and greeting everyone who walked through the door.

He was involved in local athletics, both as a participant and a coach. An avid competitor, he loved golf, basketball, softball and any game he could turn into a competition.

As he became a grandfather and great-uncle, the joy of his life was sharing his hobbies, his time, and his love with the next generation. He shared his love of trains, the Phillies, and his interest in nutrition with everyone he met.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet Louise Haas Hartzell, of Whitehall; his daughter, Brenda (Steve) Ransdell, of Eldersburg, Md.; his sons, Vincent (Kristen), of Bethlehem, Brian (Amanda), of Quakertown; his twin brother, Richard V. and his wife, Anna Marie; his cherished grandchildren, Lauren (Robert) Curtis, Emma, Alisa, Taylor, Logan, Cooper.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

His family suggests a memorial donation to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church online at www.sercc.org or Tunnels to Towers Foundation 2361 Hyland Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306, online at www.t2t.org

The Gilbert Funeral Home of Whitehall is honored to handle his arrangements.