Asher J. Hartley

Asher John Hartley, 86, July 17, 2023.

Asher was born and raised in Philadelphia. He graduated from Northeast High School. Following graduation, Asher began his career at the Philadelphia Gas Works, a career that lasted over 40 years, on June 25, 1958. His first post was in the Collections/Meter Reading Department, where Asher joined the ranks as a Meter Reader. Retirees who worked in that department know that it was, as they say, a "rough paper route.," a battlefield to maneuver each and every day.

He was promoted to several different roles over the rest of his career, while serving the citizens of Philadelphia. His next role was Customer Service Cadet in May of 1959. He later advanced to Serviceman D position in October of 1962, followed by Serviceman A position in June 1967. In May of 1973, Asher took on a new position in the Meter Shop as a Sr. Meter Mechanic, where he remained until March of 1981 when he moved into the role of Meter Repair Specialist. Asher finished out his career with PGW in that position on March 1, 1999.

During his employment at PGW, Asher dedicated himself to his fellow employees' rights and supported this endeavor when he joined the ranks of Local 686 as a Union Representative. As expected, Asher was elevated in the Local to Officer status, ultimately serving as Vice President before his retirement in 1999.

After his retirement, Asher became very involved in the Philadelphia Gas Works Federal Credit Union. He served as a Loan Officer from 2009 to 2017. While holding the position of Loan Officer, Asher advanced to President of the Credit Union from 2010 to 2017. After the dissolution of the PGW Credit Union, Asher handled the smooth conveyance to the new owner, Eagle One Federal Credit Union.

Asher took over the reins of the Gas Works Retirees Association in 2007, when he was elected President.*  He served as President for 15 years until he retired in 2022.

He was a proud Army Veteran and served overseas 1960-1963. He met the love of his life, Marge, by chance when she met a guy who gave her the name "Asher Hartley." She called him after finding him in the phone book, and they met in person, but it was not the same "Asher" she had met. Serendipity at its finest! They were married for 59 years before her passing in 2017. They had 3 daughters, Andrea Croce (Michael), Lisa Katzman (Brock) and Gail Conaway (Patrick). They were grandparents to Dallas, Erica and Shane Croce, Chelsea Martin (nee Katzman) and Emily Katzman, and Erin, Molly and Asher Conaway. They also had two great grandchildren, Brayden and Kennedy Martin (parents Chelsea and George Martin). Asher is also survived by a brother, Richard, and a sister, Linda, as well as many nieces and nephews.

They loved attending all their soccer and lacrosse games, dance recitals, cheer competitions, piano and guitar recitals, marching band, graduations, christenings, communions, and a wedding. They loved being together for holidays and all those small moments that add to a lifetime of memories.

After Asher retired, he enjoyed woodworking, photography and travel. They journeyed to many locations by car, cruise and plane. He enjoyed fishing at his family home in Margate, NJ and continued surf fishing with his nephew, Bruce Reikow and his wife, Jennifer, in Outer Banks for years.

He loved to play slots - didn't matter where - AC, Parx or Delaware Park. His biggest jackpot was 16K, and he loved telling anyone about it!

He enjoyed many laughs, beers, DeWars on the rocks with neighbors, fellow PGW employees and retirees, Marge's sorority sisters and, of course, family.  He was the type of man who befriended anyone, and it wasn't uncommon for a waitress or restaurant owner to offer assistance for meal delivery.

He passed on National Lottery Day - a sign. He was our winning ticket as a man, father, Pop-Pop and gentleman. We will miss him greatly as he begins his new journey with his beloved Marge.

Thanks, Dad, for being the best role model! We love you!

We would like to express our gratitude to Crossroads Hospice and all the wonderful caregivers and nurses who helped us during his final chapter.

Relatives, friends and PGW employees are invited to a Visitation on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Hollen Funeral Home, Inc., 3160 Grant Avenue (West of Academy Road), Philadelphia, PA 19114. Religious service at Noon.

Interment private.

Family prefers donations in Asher's name to Wounded Warrior Project, , P. O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

To share condolences with Asher's family, please go to www.hollenfuneralhome.com.

Flowers should be delivered after 3:00 P.M. on Monday, July 24, 2023.

Arrangements by Hollen Funeral  Home, Inc., Thomas J. Fluehr, Funeral Director, 3160 Grant Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114, 215-698-2500, www.hollenfuneralhome.com.

* Excerpts taken from dedication by Lorraine McKenna at Asher's retirees luncheon.

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