Timothy D. Hardner

Timothy D. Hardner, 87, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, surrounded by his family at Saint Mary's at Asbury Ridge. He was born on March 28, 1939, in Erie, a son of the late Rufus and Theresa (Trapp) Hardner.

Tim was born at home into a family of nine children, with seven brothers and one sister. He graduated from Erie Technical High School in 1957 and began his career at Automation Devices Inc., where he worked as a machinist for more than 50 years. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Andrea, and together they began building the family that would become the center of his world.

Tim had many interests and hobbies, and he never passed up an opportunity to have a little fun. He was a pretty good bowler, despite what he might have claimed, and an avid Pinochle player. Playing cards was a lifelong joy that he shared with family and friends, from his younger years right up until recently while residing at Saint Mary's. He enjoyed watching sports and proudly cheered on Notre Dame, the Washington Redskins, and the Cleveland Indians. Tim also had a creative side, using his artistic talents to decorate rocks and statues and personalize greeting cards, often gifting his creations to the people he loved.

Tim was a constant presence in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was someone they could always count on for a helping hand, a good joke, or a little advice. He had a gift for making friends wherever he went, thanks to his love of any and all conversation...sometimes much to his wife's dismay. He had a way of finding the positive in every situation and offering reassurance when it was needed most.

That optimism and devotion were especially evident in the way he cared for Andrea. When she became ill, Tim selflessly devoted himself to being her full-time caregiver. Even through the challenges, he never lost his sense of humor, his positive outlook, or the loving spirit that defined him.

In addition to his parents, Tim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Andrea M. (Salzello) Hardner; his brothers, Kenneth, Gerald, John, Thomas, and James Hardner; his sister, Lois Paradise Hardner; his sisters-in-law, Kay, Margaret, Helen, and Trish Hardner; and his brother-in-law, John Paradise.

He is survived by his loving children, Cameo Harris, Michael Hardner (Dawn), and Eric Hardner (Margaret); his four grandchildren, Timothy (Kara), Andrew (Heidi), DevinMarie (Joshua), and Autumn (Andrew); his eight great-grandchildren, Eric, Layna, Darren, Jace, Harper, Hudson, Charlotte, and Eleanor; and his brothers, Jeffrey Hardner and Christopher (Marsha) Hardner. He is also survived by his lifelong dear friend, Richard "Dick" Holden, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tim was truly the life of the party and, above all, a devoted family man. He had a way of bringing people together. His love, humor, kindness, and unwavering presence will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Though he is no longer with us, the memories he created and the love he shared will live on through the generations of family and friends he leaves behind.

Friends and family may call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Tuesday, November 10, from 10 a.m. until the time of the Prayer Service there at 11:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12 p.m. at Saint Joseph/Bread of Life Church, 147 West 24th Street. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph/Bread of Life Church (https://stjoseph-sacredheart.org/) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/).

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Saint Mary's at Asbury Ridge, especially Christal and John, and to the VNA Hospice team, particularly Kate, Amy, and Donna, for the kindness, care, and support they provided.