Gary S. Hartman

Gary Stuart Hartman, 89, of Syracuse, died suddenly Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Crouse Hospital. Born in Lancaster, PA, to Irvin and Dorothy Hartman, he grew up in Oneonta. He began his broadcasting career as a teen at Oneonta radio station WDOS and graduated from Oneonta High School where he met his wife-to-be, Joanne Gage. He attended Syracuse University, studying electrical engineering and broadcasting; during this time, he served as editor of the Daily Orange, news director and chief engineer at WAER-FM. He worked as an engineer at WFBL and ultimately at WSYR-AM, FM, and TV (now WSTM), where his 52-year career spanned from before the invention of videotape to the installation of high-definition digital facilities. Gary was active in the Masonic community from his initiation in Syracuse Lodge No. 501 in 1978 where he served as Master in 1982-83. He affiliated in 1994 with the American Lodge of Research No. 9009 and in 2002 with Memorial Lodge No. 648 F & AM where he has served as secretary since 2010. For the Second Onondaga District, Gary served in 1985-86 was Brotherhood Fund Campaign Chair and as District Deputy Grand Master in 1986-87. Gary was Knighted a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason in Central City Bodies in 1981, served as Most Wise Master of Central City Chapter Rose Croix in 1988-1989, Thrice Potent Master Central City Lodge of Perfection in 1998-1999 and from 2003 - 2005 was Commander in Chief of Central City Consistory. In 1990, Gary was elected to receive the Meritorious Service Award by the NY Council of Deliberation A.A.S.R. In Boston on September 3, 2022, Gary was Coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General 33rd degree Honorary Member of Supreme Council 33rd degree Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, USA. A member of the Central City Riverside Chapter No. 70 Royal Arch Masons and Central City Council No.13 Royal and Select Masters, Cryptic Masons. Since 2013, he has been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, State of NY, serving as Associate Patron in 2016; Worthy Patron since 2017 for Centerville Chapter No. 185 and served as District Grand Lecturer of the Onondaga District in 2018. Gary was a member of Rockefeller United Methodist Church until 2017. He was an active member of Jamesville Community Church where he was a faithful member of the Church Council, serving as Clerk of Session, was a financial recording secretary, and was the Lay Representative to the United Methodist Church. Gary was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Joanne Gage Hartman, and is survived by his son, Jeffrey (Laurie) Hartman; granddaughter, Hannah Hartman; sisters, Beverly (Gene) Redding, Diane (Lee) Van Houten, and Patricia (Victor) Colucci; extended family, and Katie Cat. Calling hours will be on Friday, January 16th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Fergerson Funeral Home, 215 South Main Street, North Syracuse. Fraternal services will be Friday at 7:30 pm at the funeral home. Memorial services will be Saturday, January 17th at 2 pm at Jamesville Community Church, 6300 East Seneca Turnpike, Jamesville. Spring burial will be in Milford Cemetery. Contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Children’s Dyslexia Center, Central New York, #103 PO Box 638, Oriskany, NY 13424-0638.

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Gary S. Hartman

December 24, 2025