Edward Clayton Hartman

Age 92

Edward “Ed” Hartman passed away in Moraga, California, following complications from a fall at home that resulted in a broken hip and required surgery. Although the surgery was successful, Ed had been experiencing mobility and cognitive challenges beforehand, and after the fall, he was at peace with reaching the end of his life.

Born on October 18, 1932, in San Diego, California, to Mabel and Marcine Hartman, Ed graduated from San Diego State in 1954 with a Bachelor’s degree and subsequently served in Korea, just after the war had ended, where he was assigned to the Counter Intelligence Corps. He later went on to earn an MBA in Personal Financial Planning in 1986.

Most of Ed’s professional life was spent at Pacific Bell (originally known as Pacific Telephone and Telegraph, or PT&T). At 25, following his military service and while attending UC Berkeley in pursuit of an MBA, he interviewed with PT&T and secured a job. Though he didn’t complete the MBA at that time, he reflected in his memoir, Clay Hart’s Memoir of an Amnesiac: The Man in the Gray Flannel Underwear, that “life seemed sweet and the MBA superfluous.”

Over a 30-year career, Ed rose steadily through the company ranks. He began as a disbursement accountant and concluded his career with the reorganized Pacific Telesis Group (PacBell), retiring in 1985 as a Personal Financial Advisor in the Executive Compensation and Benefits division.

A lifelong planner, Ed wasn’t ready for full retirement. He pivoted to the then-emerging field of fee-only, financial planning, with Pacific Bell having helped fund his MBA at Golden Gate University during his final years of employment.

Ed was also the author of a book on population issues titled The Population Fix, which he was inspired to write out of concerns over the condition of the country his grandchildren might inherit.

A passionate tennis player for much of his life, Ed transitioned to table tennis at 70. He played regularly with his close friend Bill until recent physical limitations made it difficult to continue. The game, and the camaraderie, meant a great deal to him.

Ed was a devoted husband and father. He and Marolyn shared a deep bond, often reading to each other and discussing the books they enjoyed together. One of their cherished daily rituals was relaxing in the gazebo each evening, sharing a Martini, Rob Roy, or Manhattan thoughtfully prepared by Ed.

He loved becoming a father and took great joy in raising Leanne and Paula. As he wrote in his memoir, his only wish was that they would grow up to be healthy and happy – a hope that guided his parenting and reflected his loving heart.

Ed deeply valued one-on-one, thoughtful conversations across a wide range of topics. He was intellectually curious, well-informed, and a respectful listener - even when he held opposing views. At heart, he was an egalitarian who disdained the misuse of power and authority. Ed’s sharp wit, often irreverent sense of humor brought his family a lot of laughter.

He loved the peace and quiet of the desert, often taking the family on adventures to explore ghost towns and driving off-road in their VW bug observing wildlife in Nevada. He was an avid birdwatcher and had a soft spot for any critter that wandered into the backyard. One of Ed’s fondest memories was summiting Mt. Whitney with his wife Marolyn three years into their marriage.

Among his many hobbies were lapidary (rock tumbling), reading, studying about plants and animals, movie watching (and rating), and staying engaged with current events.

Ed is survived by his wife Marolyn of 67 years; daughters Leanne and Paula; their spouses Larry and Tim; and grandchildren Austen, Annalee, Thomas, and Marcus.

A celebration of life will be held on August 24, 2025, at Shinn Historical Park and Arboretum, in Fremont, California.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eastern California Museum or the John Muir Trust . 

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