CANFIELD, Ohio -

Howard Hartzell, the father of slain Youngstown patrolman Mike Hartzell, has passed away.

Howard S Hartzell, 73, of Canfield, died January 21, 2020, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Howard, affectionately known as Howie, was born on October 17, 1946, in Youngstown, a son of Marvin and Loretta Mancini Hartzell.

He is a 1964 graduate of Fitch High School and received his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Youngstown State University.

Howie enjoyed refereeing, which he did for over thirty years for high school basketball and at the YMCA.

He was involved in Austintown youth boys baseball and girls softball. He played in the Austintown's Men's Volleyball Club, the Men's Golf League on Thursday nights at Knoll Run, and its Friday night Couples League.

Howie is survived by his wife, Mary Kay (Grady) Hartzell, his son, Kevin Hartzell; his sister, Sharyn Hartzell, of Gastonia, N.C; two sisters-in-law; Kathleen (Duke) Colaprete and family; and Maureen (Tim) Finnerty and family; Aunt Donna (Bill) Leskovec; uncle Herb (Mary Ann) Mancini; and numerous cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Loretta Hartzell; his son, Michael Hartzell; and his uncle, Howard Mancini.

Prayers will begin at 9:15 a.m. Saturday at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, 4303 Mahoning Ave., followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick Church.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Howie's memory to the Michael Hartzell Scholarship Fund at YSU.

Howard's son Mike Hartzell was gunned down during an unprovoked attack as he sat in his police car near Powers Auditorium on April 29, 2003.