Donald J. Hartley of Red Creek passed away Monday, March 31, 2025, surrounded by his family. At 88, he was a beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was born in Flintstone Maryland, son of the late Lester Hartley and the late Virginia Buser Hartley. He later moved to North Rose, NY. Don was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Meyer Hartley and four sisters. He is survived by his daughters, Lori (Phil) Reed of Oswego, and Kimberly (Gordon) Brown of Cincinnatus, sons, Jeff (Shari) Hartley of Webster, and Dan (Tina) Hartley of Honeoye Falls, loving companion Barbara Paige, 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Don earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and hygiene from SUNY Cortland in 1958 and a master's degree from SUNY Oswego in 1964. He competed in soccer and tennis all four years at Cortland.

He began his career in 1958 at Red Creek as an elementary physical education teacher, went on to teach high school physical education for 21 years, then became athletic director from 1972 until his retirement in 1992.

He coached varsity boys soccer from 1959-91 and then returned to rebuild the program in 2001 where he amassed a staggering 554-126-75 overall win-loss-tied record. He also coached varsity boys basketball and golf.

Don was a member of the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He won a New York State record 22 sectional titles and has equaled a record with six state championships. Recognized across the U.S. for his achievements, Don was named National High School Athletic Association "Coach of the Year" in 1978, the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCA) Regional Coach of the Year in 1990, the NSCA National Coach of the Year in 1991. He was inducted into the Section V Hall of Fame in 1997 and has a brick in his honor at the Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, N.Y. He was twice honored at the New York State Capitol in Albany for coaching excellence.

He was an integral part of the Red Creek community where he organized a recreational program and served on the Red Creek Revitalization Committee. He was active within his church, in the Men's Club, Sunday school, as a trustee and with Toys-for-Tots. The Red Creek civic leaders declared Oct. 27, 1978, as Donald Hartley Day in honor of his service to the community youth.

After his retirement Don volunteered his service as an assistant coach in Cincinnatus Central School where he helped improve the soccer program.

Don was an avid outdoorsman, continuing to find joy fishing, hunting, and playing golf well into his eighties. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and friends, which he cherished deeply. Although he is best known for his coaching achievements, he was most proud of the lives he touched along the way and the difference he made in the community he served.

Calling hours will be Sunday, April 6, 1:00-4:00 at the Becker-Keysor Funeral Home, 6816 Church St., Red Creek, NY. A memorial service will take place Monday, 11:00 AM at the Red Creek United Methodist Church, 6837 Church Street, Red Creek. A private interment will follow at Huron Evergreen Cemetery. The family kindly requests that instead of sending flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Don may be directed to the Red Creek Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 359, 7026 Main Street, Red Creek, NY 13143 or the Red Creek Volunteer Ambulance, 7024 Main Street, Red Creek, NY 13143.