Robert E. Hartsook, II

Robert E. Hartsook II, 78 of Hollywood, South Carolina, originally from Galena, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Born on May 6, 1947, in Columbus, OH, Bob was the son of the late Robert E. Hartsook, Sr. and Sylvia Jean (Fisher) Hartsook.

Bob, a true patriarch, was an admirable, earnest and GOD loving man who completely loved and cared for all his family. He served our nation in the Army National Guard. He later became a Lieutenant as an Ohio State Trooper. Later, Bob was the Deputy Director of School Employees Retirement System of Ohio. After retiring as the Deputy Director, he then became the Director of Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund. He loved playing basketball, golf, coaching basketball, and softball. There was never a situation that he couldn’t resolve. He was a true leader, a humanitarian with selfless acts of giving. Bob was always a storyteller with comedic endings and was always ready for an adventure.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Carol Hartsook of 53 years; parents, Robert E. Hartsook, Sr. and Sylvia Jean (Fisher) Hartsook; siblings, two infant twin sisters, brother, Michael Fisher; stepson, Mark Hughes; brother-in-law, Edward Robinson.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Michele Hartsook (John Drescher) and stepdaughter, Sherrie Hughes; three grandsons, Aaron Smith, Jonathon Drescher, and Jason Drescher; sisters, Carolyn Grumney, Anita Robinson; niece, Anne Irvine (Gary); nephews, John Grumney (Lisa), Dave Grumney and many more numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 1:00-2:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation – West Ashley, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414. His Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - West Ashley, 2501 Bees Ferry Rd, Charleston, SC 29414, 843-722-8371.