Donald Z. Hartranft

YORK – Donald Z. Hartranft, 90, died Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at York Hospital. He was the husband of Grace M. (Hibbs) Hartranft to whom he was married 67 years. A Celebration of Life Service and burial will be held privately. Heffner Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York, is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Hartranft was born on December 25, 1921 in Skippach, Lancaster Co. He was the son of the late Jacob and Edna (Ziegler) Hartranft. Following his high school graduation, he enrolled at Drexel University where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1944. Mr. Hartranft retired as Vice President in 1986 from Morehouse Instrument Company Inc., in York after 32 years of service. After retirement, he renovated an 18th century stone farm house and became a gentleman farmer at the age of 65. He enjoyed fine wood working and throughout his life produced beautiful pieces of furniture. Mr. Hartranft was also a pottery maker and a skilled metal worker. He also built miniature working replicas of antique gasoline engines. In addition to his wife, Mr. Hartranft is survived by three sons, John F. Hartranft and wife Margaret of Derwood, MD, Donald J. Hartranft and wife Margaret of Richboro and Thomas P. Hartranfy and wife Susan of Clearwater, FL; one daughter, Joanne M. Dellefield and husband James of Cincinnati, OH; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; one brother, Richard Hartranft of Philadelphia and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, William and Robert Hartranft. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to a charity of your choice.