Pauline Hartington

A pioneering leader in the Navy. A much-loved aunt. A golfing enthusiast. Dog lover. Friend.

Pauline M. Hartington was a disciplined commanding officer for much of her 87 years. She was born in Providence, RI. On July 14, 1931, to Augustine and Katherine Hartington. A graduate of Classical High School and the class of 1953 of Rhode Island College of Education, where she received an honorary doctorate in 1983.

Pauline joined the Navy as an Ensign after graduating from R.I.C.E. and had a long and illustrious career living and working in many different parts of the U.S. She loved her work in the Navy and was a frequent speaker on the importance of work, character, and the great gift of being an American. Always a patriot, she passed away on the Fourth of July.

She was the first woman to attend the National War College in D.C., the first woman to work as Secretary to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and was commissioned as Rear Admiral in 1981, the second woman in the history of the Navy to rise to that rank. Her last command was leading the Naval Training Center in Orlando, Florida.

Pauline retired from the Navy in 1984 and spent many years enjoying Orlando, the Orange Tree Golf community (where she was known as the “Sheriff of Orange Tree”) and her beloved dogs. Always active, she did her own yard work until two years ago and enjoyed giving everyone orders until the end.

She is predeceased by her parents, her sister Frances, and her brothers Leo, Raymond, and Albert. Surviving her are her sister Rita Denton (nieces and nephews Emily, David, Jenny, and Mark); her sister Evelyn and brother-in-law John Boatwright (nieces and nephews Laura, Chris, John, and Tim), and Frances’ children (Bob, Judy, Peter, and Jeff) and 16 great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her dear friend and companion Donna R. Martin.

The family would like to thank Vesta Harlow and the staff of Solaris Healthcare Windermere for their care during the last two years and the Hospice staff over the past two weeks.

A burial service will be conducted at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. at a date to be determined.