George Richard (Dick) Hartshorn, passed away peacefully at his home in Venice, Florida on December 22, 2025 with his nephew-in-law, John McQuiston, by his side. Dick was born October 7th, 1936 in Windber, Pennsylvania to George and Martha Hartshorn. Dick graduated from Westmont High School in 1954. He joined the United States Airforce in 1959 and served until 1965. During this time he moved to Michigan and attended Wayne State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1965 and a Master of Education in 1973. Dick began his career at General Motors in the service section at the GM Tech Center in Warren, MI and progressed to the Research Laboratories in the Metallurgical department, working there for several years. Just after earning his Masters in Education he moved over to Ford Motor Company where he worked for over 30 years. Dick continuously progressed his career, taking on more responsibility, earning promotions and ultimately earning a Senior Leadership role in the Executive Development Center where he was responsible for designing technical education programs across Ford Motor Company.

During this busy time in his life, Dick met the love of his life, Victoria (Vicki) Szatkowski marrying her in June of 1962. They had a life filled with adventure which included global travels with their sidekicks, Bernita and Willard Bach. Dick and Vicki were proud trip Directors for 17 years in the Nomads, a Detroit based private travel club. They designed, developed, and led many trips each year including trips to Kenya, London, Rio, Alaska, Hawaii, Antigua, Guatamala and many other exotic places. Dick also loved being on the water and owned both sailboats and power boats. Trips to the Virgin Islands to sail were numerous and boating on the Great Lakes was also a favorite past-time for both he and Vicki. They also owned a Motor Coach for a time and enjoyed traveling the country.

Dick and Vicki decided to settle in Venice, Florida in 2004 and built a home in Pelican Pointe. Dick was active on the board for a number of years, exercising his business skills while ensuring the community was well cared for.

Dick enjoyed a very social life and had countless friends both in the U.S. and abroad. He was a fastidious host and details very much mattered when it came to taking care of his guests. He was very intrigued by people in general and genuinely enjoyed learning about them and their life stories.

Dick is predeceased by his wife Victoria (Vicki) in 2016 and his brother James (Jim) in 2021. He is survived by his sister-in-laws, Bonnie Hartshorn and Irena Szatkowski, numerous nieces and nephews, his beloved pups Lili and Aussie, and many amazing friends he had the pleasure of doing life with. If you were to ask him about his life, the pleasures he enjoyed, and how he managed to do it all in style, he would simply say, "It only costs a little more to go first class!"

A visitation will take place at Farley Funeral Home in Venice on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 10:30AM-11:30AM with the funeral service beginning at 11:30AM.  A graveside service with military honors will follow at 1:30PM at Sarasota National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Dick's name to the Humane World for Animals, formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States.