Daniel J. Hardesty

Daniel J. Hardesty, 78, of Franklin, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on July 22nd at 12:15 PM.Born October 3, 1936 in Grove City, Daniel was the son of the late John Hardesty and Genethelyn Bastian Hardesty. On May 26, 2007, Daniel married Billie Horchler, who survives. Daniel was an antique dealer for many years, during which time he owned the Franklin Antique Mall and Auction Gallery. Daniel was accomplished and well-known throughout the country for his antique appraising and expertise. He previously was a car dealer in Sharon. Daniel attended the Hendersonville United Methodist Church. In his spare time, Daniel enjoyed attending auctions throughout the country, Western antiques, as well as working with antique dealers. He was a life member of the National Riflemans Association. In addition to his wife, Daniel is survived in death his sons: Daniel W. Hardesty and his finance, Shelly Davis, of Franklin; Randall R. Hardesty and wife, Laurie, of Jackson Center; Darren J. Hardesty and his wife, Sharon, of Sharon; Eric Hardesty of Stoneboro; and William Horchler and his wife, Val, of Mercer. He is also survived by his daughter, Trina McCullough, and her husband, Paul, of Stoneboro; and his brother, James Hardesty, and his wife, Barb, of Farrell. Additionally, Daniel is survived by his sisters: Josephine Hockenberry and her husband, Jeff, of Grand Junction, CO; Mary Hutto of Macon, GA; Roseanne Cowden and her husband, Pete, of Rozella, GA; and Louise Hungar and her husband, Helmuth, of Grand Junction, CO.; as well 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.Additionally to his parents, Daniel was preceded in death by his wife, Nora Jean Coxson Hardesty; his brothers, Andrew and John "Jack" Hardesty; and his grandson, Michael Hardesty.Family and friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Sunday, July 26th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 27th at 1:00 PM at Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc. with Rev. Janet Pratt, of the Hendersonville United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Sandy Lake.The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Venango County Humane Society, c/o Donations, PO Box 1045, Oil City, PA 16301.To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or for further information, friends and family are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.