As some of you may know already, it is with great sorrow and a vast treasure trove of fond remembrances that we must inform you of John Hartnett’s passing this past weekend. We are privileged to tell you that he left us peacefully, in his sleep, listening the the music that was his great passion. There will be a gathering at his apartment this Sunday afternoon, June 24.
So many people we have spoken with have told us that he was the first person they met at the Tripple Inn, and of all the kindness and good cheer he imparted to us all. Many of us knew him as Johnny Opera, the classy gent with the wicked smile and the rapier wit, a man of great intelligence, compassion and savior faire. We know we all have many stories to share with each other at this time, to honor John and to bid him adieu. We feel sure he is hearing the sweetest music of all now, and that he has a front row seat for the show.
We (and we are sure many of you) picture John standing at the end of the bar, tuxedo-clad, cigarette holder clenched in his teeth. He chuckles in his own unique way and raises his glass to toast the current good idea or funny line. For this reason, we would also like to arrange a meeting sometime soon at a local watering hole to toast Johnny Opera one more time. We’ll keep you informed. For more information on Sunday’s gathering, send an email to the following address: operaman@akwebb.com.