Douglas Arthur Hartman

Douglas Arthur Hartman, age 86, of Atlantic Beach, FL, passed away on December 30, 2024. Douglas was born in Baltimore, MD on April 25, 1938 to William Arthur Hartman and Ruth Bayrle Hartman. 

 Douglas’ career in the candy industry began in 1967 in Brooklyn, New York, where he worked as an industrial operations engineer for Y&S Candies, the makers of Twizzlers. When Y&S Candies was acquired by Hershey Foods in 1977, Douglas played a key role in the transition, contributing to the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Over the years, he rose to the position of Director of Manufacturing for Hershey Chocolate North America. Among his notable achievements were the implementation of the Quality Through Excellence (QTE) program, which enhanced operational efficiency and product quality, and the introduction of advanced automation to the production lines, setting new standards for the industry. Douglas retired in 2003, concluding a distinguished 35-year career in the candy industry.

Douglas dabbled in model airplane and helicopter building and flying and was an avid bowler. From the time he was a young boy, he enjoyed spending summer vacations with the family in Ocean City, MD; a tradition he carried on well into his later years. He indulged in all that the boardwalk had to offer: early morning bike rides, people watching, Thrasher Fries, Fisher's Carmel Popcorn and of course, Skee Ball. He also loved the long days at the beach and the annual Family Crab Feast. After relocating to Florida, Douglas stayed fit with 5 mile beach walks and long bike rides. And when it came to dancing, he was known to rarely sit down once the music started.

 Douglas leaves behind a sister, Marion Anderson of Rockville, MD. Surviving Douglas are eight children, Elizabeth A. Hartman- Ferris of Atlantic Beach, FL, Virginia R. Hartman, of Santa Cruz, CA, Valerie J. Herwood of Atlantic Beach, FL, Laura L. McGill, of Atlantic Beach, FL, Jennifer L. Pasquale, of Sinking Spring, PA, Stephanie M. Hartman, of Lancaster, PA, Leslie M. Hartman, of Lancaster, PA, and Frank W. Hartman, of Rockville, MD. Additionally, there are 9 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.