Stephen “Steve” Corbett Hartery, age 67, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 22, 2023, surrounded by loved ones following a courageous battle with cancer.
Steve was born at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on January 23, 1956 to Dorothy (Corbett) and William Hartery of North Reading, MA. He was the third of four boys and as such, Steve grew up to develop an unending love for sports, especially baseball. After graduating from North Reading High School in 1974, he went on to play college baseball (Mass Bay Community College 1975-76 and North Adams State College 1977-78). Steve’s dream of playing professional baseball became a reality in 1978 when he was signed to the Gulf Coast League to play for the Bradenton Cubs, an affiliate of MLB’s Chicago Cubs Organization. After pitching in 11 games with a 6-4 record, he transitioned to the Northwest League to play for the Victoria Mussels out of British Columbia where he played until 1979.
After hanging up his baseball cleats, Steve returned to Massachusetts where he met Gail (Johnson), fell in love, and they were married on September 8, 1984. Steve is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years and two of his children and their spouses, Christopher (Sara Hartery) and Brianna (Derek Allgaier). Steve was the beloved “Bumpa” to 5 grandchildren (Derek, Dylan and Amelia Allgaier & Nolan and Cooper Hartery) whom he adored more than anything. He was the brother of Andrew, Michael and Peter Hartery. Steve was preceded in death by both parents and one daughter, Catherine Marie Hartery.
Steve worked as a senior accountant for the North Reading Public School System for 29 years and was so excited for his well-earned retirement. To know Steve was to love him. And to love Steve meant a strong chance of conversing about any number of his favorite topics: baseball, woodworking, his “honey-do” list, sunbathing at the beach or the lake, his daily Numbers game, bowling, his hair, the weather or traffic patterns, his Camaro, home improvement projects, a good deal, a game of Scrabble, Hallmark Christmas movies, or the price of gas.
But in all seriousness, Steve was a people person through and through. Sharing conversations with people, friends and strangers alike, brought him so much happiness. He was equal parts gentle and masculine, funny and genuine, romantic and realist. His passing at this time of year feels bittersweet for so many reasons, because Christmas was his all time favorite. It’s not every day that you meet a man who adored Christmas like Steve did. He wore a different Christmas tie to work every day each December and dreamed of a home big enough for a “Christmas room” where he could set up his favorite decorations to view all year long.
There’s comfort in knowing that Steve was free from pain for Christmas this year. Family, friends, and loved ones who were touched by Steve’s life are invited to join us in celebrating his memory at calling hours on Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 4-7PM at Croswell Funeral Home in North Reading, MA. (www.croswellfuneralhome.com). In lieu of flowers, Steve asked that donations be made in his memory to the Tufts Cancer Center and Little League of America. https://giving.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/cancer https://www.littleleague.org/who-we-are/making-a-donation/
So sorry to hear my condolences to the family.
Saddened to learn of Steve’s passing. Such a vibrant guy, and a true team player. May the Light of this season surround his family and friends with peace.
Andy very sorry for your loss, remember Stevie way back when I was a park instructor at the little school. Lost a good one.
RIP STEVE a good person and excellent team mate .
Andy,Mike and Peter Steve was a great person so sorry to hear of is passing
Such a beautifully written remembrance. To know Steve was to enjoy talking about baseball, cars, and his favorite topic in recent years, his grandchildren. I don’t think I’ll ever know anyone as dedicated to his family and his career, and the joy he brought to our office every day for so many years. Steve, you will be missed.
My condolences to the family. Steve was a great guy always great conversation will be missed. God bless
Steve was a long-time and dedicated employee of the North Reading Public Schools. Steve was so proud of his family, most especially his grandchildren, and he looked forward to spending more time with all of his family in retirement. I am saddened by his untimely passing and will keep his family and his memory in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, friend.
So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. He was always so kind and helpful to me, especially with any questions. Rest in peace.
So sorry to hear. My thoughts and prayers are with the family through this difficult time. He was a wonderful person. He never missed an opportunity to help or lighten up someone’s day. He truly made a difference to so many, and for that he will probably be best remembered.
So sorry to hear of this. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time. He was a wonderful person. He never missed an opportunity to help someone or brighten someone’s day. He made a difference in so many lives, and for that will be fondly remembered.
Our deepest sympathies and prayers for the Harterys. I got to know Steve and his live if sports by attending a few of Chris’ ball games when I was in Boston. He was passionate and loads of fun to carry in a chat. He will be missed. May he rest in eternity at the right hand of God!
Steve was such a fun person, his personality took over any room he was in. He loved his family fiercely. My heart goes out to you.
I’m just so sad to learn of Steve’s passing, our Kris as his Chris were baseball teammates at Colby-Sawyer so I knew the baseball part of Steve’s passions. I cherish the memories of those years cheering alongside Gail and Steve. But the hallmark Christmas movies? Wanting a special Christmas room? Loving the beach? All that other stuff about him, makes me wish I’d known him outside the baseball arena. Both Scott and I are so sorry to learn that he’d been suffering from cancer. I have the faith to believe he will still be watching over all his beloved family and friends. I hope the family can find peace in all their memories.
I am so sorry to hear about Steve. It’s been many years since I’ve spent time with Gail and him but I do remember him as being a very pleasant and loving man. Gail I am so sorry for your loss.
Oh Bree….I’m so sorry your heart is heavy! I hope time lightens your pain and allows you to relive all the beautiful memories you have with your dad AND him as a doting grandfather! I am here if you need me! Much love and sympathy to you and your entire family!
My prayers and thoughts are with the Hartery family at this difficult time
Sharon R. (Jewett) Chosse
one of the old Nutter Rd families
Class of 1973
Hi Gail, I just want to let you know that I have you in my thoughts during this difficult time. A.Sierra
Steve was an amazing family man and a devoted employee of the North Reading Public Schools for over thirty years. He was a great man and I am very saddened by his passing. His family was his pride and joy. I will keep his family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Gail Sorry for your loss. I am sending hugs to help you through this tough time
Thinking of you. Sorry for your loss. Steve was such a nice guy.
Steve was a wonderful man who helped so many people in his role in the North Reading Public Schools. I have many fond memories of his Christmas ties and happy conversations about his family. This is a beautifully written tribute. I am so very sorry to hear this news. I know how much he was looking forward to and enjoying his retirement. My heart and prayers are with his family during this very difficult time.
Gail, sincere condolences for your losing Stephen. My thoughts are with you and your family.
So sorry and condolences for your loss. Lived near and knew Steve in school.