Herbert Lee Chatley, 83, a resident of Boughner Hill Road, Utica, died peacefully Monday, March 26, 2018, in The Cleveland Clinic; following a brief decline in his health.

He was born January 27, 1935, in Cranberry, a beloved son of the late Lester R. and Mary Ida Shreffler Chatley.

He attended the Cranberry Area schools.

Mr. Chatley had worked as a Group Leader at the former Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company of Franklin for more than 20 years. Upon relocation of the C.P.T., he had worked as head custodian with the Franklin Area School District at Utica Elementary School, retiring from there in January of 1998 following more than 20 years of service.

Remaining very active throughout his entire lifetime, Mr. Chatley had formerly owned and operated Chatley Tree Service, Chatley Propane, and Chatley’s Greenhouse in addition to operating his family farm. He was well-known at Franklin Farmer’s Market for his fresh produce, and was one of the market’s oldest members, participating there for more than 50 years.

He enjoyed roller skating, square dancing, picnics and family BBQs and playing the organ, especially old hymns and polkas. He loved keeping busy, woodworking and making furniture, hewn from wood cut from his own sawmill. Most important to him though, always was his family, and he cherished the fun times he was able to share with them.

Mr. Chatley was an active and faithful member of the Cochranton Community Church, where he had occasionally played the organ for the traditional Sunday services.

He was married October 2, 1998, to the former Cheryl J. Craig, who survives.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Diane J. Laemmer and her husband Rolf of Rocky Grove, Mark A. Chatley of Franklin and Kevin L. Chatley and his wife Arlene of Oil City, their mother, Dorothy J. Chatley of Franklin, Arthur A. Emigh of Carlton, Kayla J. Chatley and Jeremy L. Chatley, both of Utica; in addition to his grandchildren: April Haupt, Douglas Baker, Sandra Baker and Lisa Hodge and nine great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are two brothers: Lester R. Chatley, Jr. and wife Shirley of St. Augustine, FL and Earl E. Chatley and wife Melvina of Utica and by a sister, Carol Zeigler and husband Jerry of Cranberry, his mother-in-law, Doris Craig Hendricks of Atlantic; in addition to many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Vivian Brown and by his father-in-law, Elmer D. Craig.

Friends may call Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Timothy E. Hartle Funeral Home, 1328 Elk Street, Franklin.

Family and friends may also call Good Friday 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Cochranton Community Church, 3993 E. Church Street (at the intersection of Route 285 & 173), where funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens at Cranberry.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be directed to Mr. Chatley’s family.

Please visit www.hartlefuneralhome.com for further information and to leave a note of condolence.