Westport - Raymond F. Hartnett Jr., 78, of Westport, peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 28, after a series of illnesses. He was the cherished husband of 46 years of Diane (Hinchcliffe) Hartnett. He is also survived by his daughter Kate Ivatts and son-in-law Christopher of Dartmouth; his two beloved grandchildren Layla and Rory; and the many, many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and loyal friends, all of whom will miss him deeply.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, Raymond and Hilda (DeCambra) Hartnett; his daughter Heather Vermillion; and his brother Michael.

Raymond was born on March 2, 1948 in Newburyport. He was a graduate of Newburyport High School and Bridgton Academy, and attended Central Connecticut University. He was a longtime sports editor of the Newburyport Daily News, before starting his career in the nuclear industry. He was a nuclear radiation protection technician at Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth, and was a proud member and steward for IBEW 369.

Raymond was an avid football fan, strong supporter of youth sports, hunter, bird watcher, and devoted gardener. After moving from Newburyport to Westport, he became involved in girls' softball and coached a number of title-winning teams. He took great pride in coaching his daughter Katie and countless girls in the area for 15 years. Ray was a well-respected, treasured coach by all, and received the David Chase Memorial Award from the WGSL for his support of girls' softball. In 2022, he was inducted into the Newburyport High School Hall of Fame for both his sports journalism and his work in promoting recognition for women in sports.

Ray enjoyed traveling to Sanibel Island for many years with Di; reminiscing about his high school glory days over a plate of fried clams at the Park Lunch; reading the newspaper funnies every Sunday morning; enjoying a frozen mango margarita on the Plymouth waterfront; and sporting an unmistakable, legendary mustache. His greatest love centered on family and an always-growing circle of friends. His two grandchildren and their antics brought him joy every single day. Layla was his treasure and Rory, his partner. His friends and his many cousins will remember Ray as a loyal, caring, fun-loving person. His fierce love of life, coupled with the support of friends and family, gave him the strength to fight until the very end.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Ray by becoming an organ donor on behalf of those with kidney disease. Donations can also be made to the Newburyport High School Boosters Club, Newburyport High School c/o Newburyport All-Sports Boosters, 241 High Street, Newburyport, MA 01950 or to St. Jude's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Raymond's visitation will be held at the Waring-Sullivan Home at Rose E. Sullivan, 866 County Street, Somerset on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 pm. A memorial service will take place at the same location on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 11:00 am. Burial will be private. For online tributes and directions,please visit www.Waring-Sullivan.com.