James Ellsworth Hartwell

January 13, 1938 - April 7, 2018

James E Hartwell, 80 of Rocky Hill passed away at home surrounded by music and his family. Born in Greenfield MA to Stanley E Hartwell and Marguerite Kells Hartwell he grew up in Northampton MA, graduating from UMASS Amherst with a Bachelor of Science. Jim moved to CT working for CT Redevelopment and the City of Hartford Public Works as the Principal Financial Analyst. He was a lover of art and a talented artist, he studied classical guitar for many years and was a member of the CT Guitar Society. Being on the water cruising in his boat was one of his favorite things to do. He was a member of the Wethersfield Cove Yacht Club for 45 years. His passion for boating led him to start a second career crafting marine canvas and he was a member of the Marine Fabricators Association. Together with his wife they enjoyed spending many summers telling jokes & limericks with friends on D dock at Mystic Shipyard. With Jim there was no such thing as small talk, just great conversation. We all felt like we learned something every time we talked. He leaves behind his beloved wife Gale Hartwell, two sons, Sheldon J Hartwell and his wife Kathi and Brian E Hartwell and his wife Kim. Also, his stepson Brian Amoroso and his wife Sandra, and stepdaughter Gina Amoroso and her husband Michael Joyce. He was a proud and loving Pop Pop with many beautiful grandchildren, Cassandra,Taylor, Lauren, Amanda, Brianne, Jillian, Lucas, Louisa and 3 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his great grandson Mason. A memorial service will be held at Rose Hill Funeral Home 580 Elm St. Rocky Hill, CT. Thursday April 19th at 3 pm. Following services friends and family are invited to gather at Wethersfield Cove Yacht Club to celebrate Jim’s life. Burial will be private. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Connecticut Guitar Society. For online guestbook, please visit www.rosehillfuneralhomes.com.