Maurice"Reese" Hartey

Maurice J. Hartey, affectionately known as Reese to family and friends, peacefully transitioned from this world to the next on February 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Reese fought a courageous and dignified battle with Neuroendocrine Cancer, facing it with strength, faith, and grace.

Born in South Philadelphia to the late Maurice J. Hartey, Sr. and Rosemarie "Rosie" (nee Lydon) Hartey, Reese later met the love of his life, Teresa, and relocated to the Northeast to begin and raise their family. He was a proud graduate of St. John Neumann High School, Class of 1977.

Following graduation, Reese proudly entered the United States Navy, serving his country aboard the submarine USS Dace. During his service, he formed lifelong bonds with his shipmates, relationships he deeply cherished. He faithfully attended reunions held throughout the United States and was grateful to have participated in the most recent gathering this past November. Reese had a decorated career of 35 years at NAVSESS. Even after retirement, he continued his dedication to supporting the Navy at EHS Technologies, fully retiring just last month.

Reese will be remembered as a proud American and devoted Naval Veteran, whose life exemplified faith, service, and integrity. He was deeply devoted to his God and to his family, who were truly his world. He took immense pride in their accomplishments and treasured every moment spent with his beloved grandchildren.

A lifelong Catholic, Reese never turned his back on anyone and always saw the best in others. His life was defined by service and by making a meaningful difference. In Mayfair, he was a passionate community activist who weighed in on important issues and worked tirelessly to leave things better than he found them. He was instrumental in helping build the Mayfair Community Center, creating Clean Street initiatives, and advancing affordable housing. Reese loved his community and played a significant role in its revitalization.

Selfless and committed, he served on numerous local boards, including Sts. John Neumann & Goretti Millay Club, various boards at Father Judge, and was involved in the effort to save St. Hubert's High School. He also proudly coached the "Holy Terrors" sports teams, always giving his time and heart to others.

Summers at the shore brought Reese great joy and countless cherished memories with family and friends in North Wildwood. He loved golfing, participating in beach tournaments for a cause, and attending summer reunions -- events he never missed. Reese was an active member of the Wildwood Moose Lodge, North Wildwood Elks Lodge, and proudly celebrated his Irish heritage with the AOH Div. 39. He enjoyed parading as a member of the Froggy Carr NYC in the annual Mummers Parade, a day he eagerly anticipated every year.

Beloved husband and best friend of 42 years to Teresa (nee McKeage) Hartey. Proud and loving father of Matthew (Nikki Kane) Hartey, Brendan (Jill) Hartey, Colin Hartey, Killian (Breanna) Hartey, and devoted Pop-pop to Kieran, Paityn, Hailey, Seamus, Liam, and Sawyer. Dear brother of Marie (Chip) Trock, Lynn (Albert) Albright, and the late Patrica (Ed) Cody. Reese will be deeply missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends, including his best friends, the McBrides, who were like family to him .

Relatives, friends, mummers, and former shipmates are invited to attend his visitation on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:45 a.m. at St. Matthew's Church, 3000 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19149. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon, followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery.

Family prefers memorial donations in his name to made to either: Advane Neuroendocrine Research payable to "Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania"sent to Penn Medicine, 3535 Market St. Suite 750 Phila., PA 19104 or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306 (T2T.org)