Joseph Francis Hartnett

Joseph Francis Hartnett, 78, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on February 21, 2026 surrounded by his family following a stroke.

The eldest of seven children, Joe was a leader in his family and the community. A U.S. Army veteran, he proudly served in Vietnam.

As a businessman early in his career, he worked at Weather Corporation of America, was a Division Manager at Louisiana Pacific Corporation, and was President and Founder of Weather Guard, an insulation manufacturing company. After his successful career in the business world Joe shared his expertise with generations of students, teaching Business Administration for over 25 years at St. Charles Community College in Missouri, where he served as a Professor, Professor Emeritus, and Chair of the Business Department. He received accolades from his students and numerous awards, including the Faculty of the Year Award and the Missouri Governor’s Award for Teaching Excellence.

After first attending Cardinal Glennon Seminary, Joe went on to receive his B.A. in Psychology from St. Louis University, a Masters of Educational Psychology from New Mexico State University, and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Missouri, St. Louis.

Joe was known for his incredible warmth, sense of humor, and principled leadership ability. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Barbara (Ayars), his cherished sons Joe (Betani King) and John (Jackie Hartnett), his granddaughter Sophie, his siblings Kathleen, Mary Eileen, and Stephen, and his many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. He was predeceased by his parents William and Kathleen and brothers Mike and Bill.

Memorial gifts may be made to the St. Charles Foundation Joseph and Barbara Hartnett Business Scholarship, or to a charity of your choice.