What an absolute loss! My condolences to his loved ones. 

Mr. Hartling was my 5th grade teacher at Melwood. I have nothing but positive memories of my time as his student. He was always patient and encouraging, which meant a lot to me as a kid who hated math. Though it saddens me to hear of his sudden passing, I’m so happy knowing that he continued to be a positive influence to others years after I had left his classroom. He will surely be missed!

My deepest condolences to the family.

Mr. Hartling was an amazing teacher. I had him as my 5th grade teacher at Melwood and he truly is the reason I ever found math to be remotely exciting. He was an inspiring educator that truly made sure to help the kids learn best to their learning styles. I wasn’t always the easiest kid to work with but he was always one of the easiest teachers to work with. I appreciate all that he taught me and many many other children. I’m so glad that he also got to help the children at Camp Schmidt. It was a field trip that lives with me to this day (that and the Owens Science Center) and I’m sure he inspired so many other children to truly enjoy learning the way he inspired me. My heart goes out to the family.

With the deepest of sad condolences to all of the people who were close to Steve. I didn’t know him on a personal level but I had the blessing of meeting him at Camp Schmidt whenever the schools I was working at went there. I really have grown to admire the men and women who work there. Steve was always a ray of sunshine and emanated great wonderful vibes. He will definitely be missed.

My deepest condolences! Feeling blessed to have known Steve. He was a gentle and kind man and ensured me many times that our daughter (now 28) was always safe when she was at our old stomping grounds now called “Buckets.” He was always so calm and collected and the times we did venture out when he was working there, it was apparent that he also took the workers under his wings and they were being looked out for. Recently learned that every step he made was for his family and others. What a gift on earth he was. In these crazy times, you don’t come across a unselfish soul like Steve very often. Have NO doubt Steve will be taking care of his loved ones from above. RIP Steve. ❤

My most sincere condolences. Steve was such a kind and giving soul, always smiling and looking for something to smile about. We bonded over fossils and hunting for shark teeth (like his megalodon tooth), and getting kids excited about nature. PGCPS has lost a gem, and I pray his light is carried on in the thousands of children who saw his smile and excitement for life.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and loved ones of Steve Hartling. Steve was a pillar of the PGCPS instructional program at Camp Schmidt, providing environmental education, teaching real life problem solving, and curating core memories that our staff and students will carry for a lifetime. I feel blessed that my fifth grade classes got to experience Camp Schmidt with him. Thank you Steve for a life well lived, and a job well done! ❤️

What a huge loss! Mr. Hartling was such a kind man. Because of him, I always looked forward to visiting Camp Schmidt with my 5th graders. I appreciate the love, support & patience he extended to our crew of staff, students and parents each year. He will be greatly missed!

Mr. Hartling,
You were an awesome person who brought joy to all of the kids who visited Camp Schmidt. On behalf of Glenn Dale Elementary, we send our love and prayers!
Heather A. Porterfield
Principal

I am sending my heartfelt condolences to Steve’s family and loved ones. Steve was a great man! We taught together for a few years and he was loved by many.
He will be missed!

My deepest condolences to the Hartling family. I pray you are comforted by the warm, happy, and loving memories you shared with Steve. He will be greatly missed by his PGCPS family.