MARIETTA, Ohio –– David Ernest Hartinger of Athens, Ohio, died at the age of 58, on the evening of Tuesday, January 6, 2025, at Marietta Memorial Hospital in Marietta, Ohio.
David was born in Athens on September 15, 1967 (a proud Virgo!) to Shirley Hartinger and Donald Douglas. As a lifelong resident of Athens, David was very knowledgeable about Southeast Ohio history, and loved to share fun facts about it with friends! David attended Athens High School, graduating in 1986.
David loved sci-fi (especially Star Trek), professional wrestling, The History Channel, singing karaoke, classic rock, ghost hunting, and Bigfoot ––who he was a believer of! David also enjoyed watching the soap operas General Hospital and Days of Our Lives, as did his mother, Shirley, who passed away in 2018.
David celebrated 26 years sober this year, and was a passionate advocate for recovery. David was a member of The Gathering Place, first joining the community in 2000. David was a pillar of the Athens peer support community, and frequently advocated for his community by speaking at City Council meetings, getting involved in People First of Ohio, writing Letters to the Editor in multiple newspapers, and serving on the Board of Directors at HAVAR, Inc and The Gathering Place.
David is survived by his beloved pet, Spooky Cat, and many friends and community members who remember him fondly. David remembered everyone’s birthday and Zodiac sign, and had many jokes ready to go every time you saw him! David frequently went on a “walky” around town, and loved to eat white rice from Mr. Hibachi, to get a water or pop from Buffalo Wild Wings, and to sing karaoke at The Smiling Skull. David was a member and fan of The Gathering Place band, The Gatherers, and enjoyed writing original poetry.
David is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Shirley, and many other family members and friends; including good friend and fellow GP member Travis Klein, who passed away three years to the day before David –– we are sure that Travis was among those waiting to help David over the rainbow!
“Peace, love, and sci-fi!” – David Ernest Hartinger
