Thomas O. Hartman Sr. Former Owner Of Fantasy Island, Dies At 77

Courtesy of Maxwell Funeral Home:

Thomas O. Hartman Sr., 77, of Barnegat, died on Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, at home. Born in Philadelphia, he moved to Beach Haven Terrace at a young age, and lived there until moving to Barnegat in 1987.

Known for his larger than life personality, Mr. Hartman, along with his brother Richard, was the owner and operator of Hartman’s Amusement Park (now Fantasy Island) on Long Beach Island from 1961 to 1986.

After selling the business, he founded Indian Acres Farms, Barnegat, which he operated until his death. At Indian Acres, he raised livestock and bred, raised and trained championship Brittany Spaniels. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 286, Beach Haven.

He was predeceased by his wife, Joy in 2007; his brother, Bud, and his sisters, Anna, Mickey, and Doris. He is survived by his four loving children; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his brother, Richard.

Cremation was private and entrusted to Maxwell Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin. Visitation hours will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19 at Lighthouse Alliance Community Church, 455 U.S. 9 Little Egg Harbor, followed by a service at 7 p.m.

Casual attire is requested, and in lieu of flowers, donations are requested by the family to go to the Lighthouse Alliance Community Church. Any questions, please reach out to Thomas Jr. at k9zues@comcast.net.