Hartford Nelson Keith, 89, passed away on March 4, 2026.

Born on April 24, 1936, in North Blenheim, Schoharie County, New York, Hartford was the son of the late George and Ada Keith. He graduated from Gilboa Central School District High School in June 1954 and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from June 1954 to June 1956.

Hartford began his working life as a meat cutter with the A&P Tea Company while continuing his education. In 1960, he earned an Associate in Science Degree in Electrical Technology from Hudson Valley Technical Institute in Troy, New York. He went on to work as a Senior Research Technician at Argonne National Laboratory in Argonne, Illinois, from 1960 to 1965.

Committed to furthering his education, Hartford received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1968. He then joined the General Electric Field Engineering Group in Syracuse, New York, where he served as a Field Engineer supporting the startup of regional nuclear power plants.

In 1976, Hartford accepted a position with the New York Power Authority at the FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant in Oswego, New York. Over the course of his distinguished career, he served as Assistant Manager of the Instrument and Control (I&C) Department, later managing the department, and eventually holding the role of Senior Engineer. He retired from NYPA in 1997 after decades of dedicated service in the field of electrical engineering and nuclear energy.

In 2003, Hartford and his beloved wife, Joan, relocated from Oswego, New York, to Kings Ridge, a 55+ golf community in Clermont, Florida, where they enjoyed an active and fulfilling retirement.

Married in 1963, Hartford and Joan shared many wonderful years together. They found great joy in traveling—taking cruises, visiting 49 states, and exploring numerous countries in Western and Eastern Europe, including Russia. These adventures created lasting memories for them and their family.

Hartford was preceded in death by his brothers, George and Robert, and his sisters, Cora and Elizabeth. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Joan; his sons, Kevin and Douglas; and his cherished grandchildren, Lily, Hope, Alexander, and Lucas. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, 11am, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.  Interment with Military Honors will follow at 1:30pm, at Florida National Cemetery.  The family will have a Celebration of Life at 5:30pm at the King's Ridge Clubhouse in the Canterbury and Nottingham Rooms.