CDR David R. Hartsaw, USN (Ret)

March 15, 2024

CDR David R. Hartsaw, USN (Ret), departed this world on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at the age of 91. Commander Hartsaw was born on June 27, 1932 to Mabel R. (Smallridge) and Theodore R. Hartsaw in Huntington, West Virginia. He is preceded in death by his adoring wife of 63 years, Regina Sue (Matney) Hartsaw, whom he met when they both attended Logan High School in Logan, WV. He is survived by his son, Michael David Hartsaw (Lela) and two grandchildren, Emily and David II, of Pensacola. 

CDR Hartsaw was the Vice President of the Logan High School Class of 1950 where he also was captain of the basketball team. He attended 3 years at North Carolina State where he was a walk-on basketball player, and graduated from Colorado A&M in 1954. He joined the Navy as a Naval Aviation Cadet and was commissioned an Ensign USNR in September 1955 and designated a Naval Aviator in May 1956. Commands in which he served include: Patrol Squadron Two (VP-2), Training Squadron One (VT-1), Fleet Airborne Early Warning Squadron Pacific (AEWPAL), The USS Hornet CVS-12, Training Squadron Five (VT-5), The USS Bennington CVS-20, Fleet Combat Training
Center (Dam Neck, VA), The USS Enterprise CVAN 65, and The Naval Training Command—Kenitra, Morocco. He retired in 1978 with over 5,000 pilot hours and 225 carrier landings. 

After retirement, the Hartsaws were active in the Pensacola sailing community and for a time, enjoyed being owners of The Sea Spray, a nautical boutique on Gulfbeach Highway. They were former members of The Navy Yacht Club and The Pensacola Yacht Club. 

Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries