Dennis Scott Hartley

A memorial ceremony is planned for October 25 in Santa Cruz, for Dennis Scott Hartley who passed away peacefully at his Santa Cruz home surrounded by his loving family. 

Known affectionately as Denny to his close friends, Dennis was born in Gary, Indiana. During World War II, his family moved to Long Beach, California, to be closer to his father, who had enlisted in the Navy. Dennis shared many fond memories of his childhood spent with his mother, Mary, living at various duty stations, including a memorable period living in the Marshall Islands.

Dennis met his wife, Norma, while attending La Brea High School in Southern California. Norma often shared stories with their grandchildren about those early days, lovingly referring to him by his high school nickname, “Harley,” and the story of how they met. After high school, Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Army and continued to serve in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve until 1967.

Dennis began a distinguished career in sales and marketing with Johnson & Johnson in 1965. He later became the Regional Sales Manager for Noxel/Procter & Gamble, and remained with them for over 40 years before retiring. His career took the family to Washington State, before ultimately bringing them back to California, settling in Santa Cruz in 1970.

Dennis’s family was of paramount importance to him. He had many lifelong friendships that meant the world to him. Dennis was well known among the Santa Cruz running community, a member of the Santa Cruz Track Club, and the Rotary Club. Mornings often began at Cabrillo Fitness Club, followed by runs through Nisene Marks or time spent tending his beautiful garden.

Never one to sit still, Dennis lived life to the fullest. He was an avid runner, cyclist, golfer, gardener, and traveler. Over the years, he completed more than 150 races and marathons, with his medals proudly displayed in his home office. He participated in the Boston to Big Sur Challenge multiple times and had a unique tradition during the Wharf-to-Wharf race, parking at the finish and running to the start line as his warm-up.

His love of running was matched only by his passion for world travel. He was fortunate to explore many parts of the globe, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, completing a 100-mile run in the Himalayas, and running marathons in Paris, London, Sweden, Ireland, and beyond. Dennis lived a full and extraordinary life and will be missed by many.

Dennis is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Deanna & Bobby LeBarre; his daughter and son -in-law Jennifer & Bill Cordoza and his daughter Melanie Ducan.  

He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Lucas, Katie, Joey, Dana, Sean, Brittany, Brandon, Lucas, and Julia, along with 12 great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter.

Dennis will also be lovingly remembered by extended family members: Ageo, Cyndi, Susie, Steve, Jamie, Lindsey, and their families, as well as his Aunt Lucy Kiggendorf and her family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Norma Hartley; his parents, Joseph and Mary Hartley; his son Brian Hartley; his grandson Scott Perez; his siblings Cindi Lynn Lebon and JT Hartley; and his son-in-law Filo Perez.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 25, at 1 p.m., at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, Santa Cruz.