Concord, NH – Donald Wayne Hartshorn passed away on July 2, 2026, one week before his 93rd birthday. He was born in Concord, NH to Doris Hazel (Chamberlin) and Ralph Wayne Hartshorn. He spent his early years on his grandparents’ farm in East Concord where he lived with his mother and his sister, Shirley. Growing up, his grandfather, Curtis Chambelin, served as his father-figure. After his mother remarried, the family relocated to Concord.
A graduate of Concord High School Class of 1951, Don went on to serve his country in the US Army where he was stationed on Governor’s Island in New York City. Upon returning home, he worked as a salesman for Treisman Brothers Wholesale Candy and Tobacco Distributors in Concord.
In 1960 Don joined the US Postal Service, retiring after 37 years. At one time, he had the longest walking route (12 miles) located in the Penacook-Boscawen area. He loved his job! He was deeply involved in Concord Branch 72, National Association of Letters Carriers where he had held many offices including the President as well as serving as Vice-President of the NH State Association. For over 30 years, Don coordinated the State Convention. Though he retired from active duty at the postal service in 1997, Don remained a fiercely loyal Union member for 55 years.
Each Labor Day weekend, he looked forward to Hopkinton State Fair where, for over 20 years, he managed the two main parking lots.
He was a past president of the East Concord Lamplighters, the Concord Coach Square Dance Club and the WE-CO-Acs. Don was a co-founder of the Roast Pork and Roast Beef suppers put on by WE-CO-Acs at West Church. He was a Golden Shief member of the Concord Grange, a member of Merrimack County Pomona Grange, a member of the National Grange, the American Legion Post 31 and Horace Chase Lodge No. 72. Don volunteered at the Friendly Kitchen for many years. He was a member of East Congregational Church where he had served as Moderator and on the Board of Trustees.
He enjoyed traveling throughout the country with his wife of 59 years, Judith. This included riding a mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back, visiting many National Parks and Monuments and several trips to Hawaii. He joined his grandson, Lucas on a 7-hour Backstage Magic Tour at Disney World. Don went on his last trip, in May, to the Thousand Islands region of New York.
His USPS day off for years was a weekday which allowed him to chaperone his boys after school ski program at Pat’s Peak. While they were taking lessons, he took the opportunity to learn to ski. Don also chaperoned on several school trips. He liked spending time with family whenever and wherever. For many years he enjoyed working in his vegetable garden.
He is survived by his wife. Judith (Everett) Hartshorn, his three daughters, Robin Charles (Lincoln) of Northfield, NH; Eileen Schneiderat of Limestone, ME and her children, Joseph and Sean Schneiderat and Sarah Kinney; and Jennifer Hartshorn of Concord, NH. His two sons, Kevin Hartshorn (Ann-Marie) of Boscawen, NH and their son Don’s best bud, Lucas Hartshorn of Raleigh, NC; and Derek Hartshorn (Amara) of Belmont. He is also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Shirley Sargent and brother-in-law Lee Sargent, and by his son Eric Hartshorn.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to The Friendly Kitchen in Concord, NH.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, from 10AM-1130AM at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N. Main St., Concord NH. A Chapel Service will follow at 1130AM, with cemetery committal at Maple Grove Cemetery, Concord NH.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bennett Funeral Home, Concord NH.
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes