Paul Hartley

Today, the world feels a little quieter without the music of Paul Hibert Hartley. Paul was born in 1943 at Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus to Dorcus Stump Hartley and Paul Hibert Hartley Sr. He graduated from Central High School in 1962, carrying with him a passion for music that would shape the rest of his life. Shortly after graduation, Paul followed his dreams west to Hollywood, where he became the original startup drummer for the band Bread. Though music took him far from home, Columbus eventually called him back, and it was there that his life’s greatest work truly began. Paul began teaching music at Chuck Dailey’s studio in Graceland Shopping Center, where he shared not only his talent, but his patience, encouragement, and love for people. In 1980, one of his students walked into his life — Maryann Hopkins. What began with music lessons turned into a lifelong love story. Paul and Maryann married in 1984 and later adopted their daughter, Amanda, in 1993. Over the years, Paul taught countless students, opened his own music studio, and employed multiple teachers who helped continue the joy of music throughout the community. For decades, his studio became more than a place for lessons — it became a second home for so many. Even after the economy forced the studio to close in 2020, Paul never stopped teaching. He continued giving lessons in students’ homes and through FaceTime, determined to keep music alive in any way he could. In January 2009, Paul welcomed one of the greatest blessings of his life when his grandson, Aiden Paul, was born. He was able to be in the room to witness Aiden’s arrival into the world — a moment that filled his heart with pride, love, and a brand new kind of joy. From that day forward, Aiden became one of the brightest lights in his life. To know Paul was to know kindness, laughter, generosity, and a smile that could light up a room. His love for music was only matched by his love for helping others grow. He leaves behind not just songs and memories, but pieces of himself in every student he encouraged and every life he touched. One of the last cherished memories the family shares is having Paul present at his daughter Amanda’s wedding in December 2025 before Alzheimer’s took more of him. In the midst of such a difficult chapter, that day became a quiet gift — one more moment together filled with love, family, and memories they will hold onto forever. Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Dorcus Stump Williams and her husband Ben Williams; his father, Paul Hartley Sr. and his wife Betty Hartley. He is survived by his loving wife, Maryann Hartley; his daughter, Amanda Robertson, and son-in-law Anthony Robertson; his grandson, Aiden Hartley; and many dear friends, former students, and loved ones whose lives were forever changed by his music and kindness. Though the final note of his earthly song has faded, the music Paul gave to the world will continue to echo through every person he inspired. In honor of Paul’s memory, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Paul Hartley

July 27, 1943 - May 13, 2026