The world lost a great man this week. Michael A. “Mitch” Hartman, a very dear friend to myself & my family was killed in a freak vehicular accident on Thursday when a tree landed on his vehicle as he was driving down Route 281.

Like many others, I was stunned and deeply saddened by this news. Well over 500 people waited in line at his viewing just to say one final farewell.

Mitch was a big personality in my hometown. He was a husband, father, brother, son, local business owner, coach, hunting partner, neighbor, and friend.

Although I am sad to see him go, I am thankful for the memories I will forever have of Mitch. ~ Seeing him dressed as a woman for losing a bet to our basketball team when we beat Conemaugh Township for the first time ~ The Terrible 5 ~ New Years Eves ~ Drawing our basketball play on his belly w/ a marker when he couldn’t get a dry erase board quick enough ~ My first job ~ Memorial & Labor Day picnics in the field ~ Playing banjo w/ his brothers ~ are just a few. There are to many to count in my almost 24 years of life which he was a part of almost on a daily basis, even after I moved far, far away from home.He was like a father to me & will always hold a special place in my heart. On sleepless road the sleepless go, may angels lead you in.