'He was our glue.' June Jam founder dies at 68. Delaware music community mourns a legend

CORRECTION: Bob Hartley graduated from Caesar Rodney in 1973. An earlier version of this story included an incorrect date provided by his family.

The Delaware music community is mourning the loss of Bob Hartley, president and founding member of June Jam Music Festival in Houston, who died in his sleep on Sunday. He was 68.

June Jam is branded as the longest-running, continuous outdoor music festival in the country.

One of Hartley's friends is Johnny Neel, a Wilmington native and keyboardist who is a former member of The Allman Brothers Band. The keyboardist says he's played June Jam about 20 times.

"It was like the highlight of my year. I'd look forward to come back up there and see my old friends and play [for] Bob," Neel said about the festival.

Neel said he appreciated that Hartley, who grew up in Dover, treated his staff and the other artists kindly at June Jam, which is something that doesn't happen at every music festival around the country.

Johnny Neel honors his friend

Hartley purchased a limo at a Philadelphia auction that previously belonged to famous opera singer Luciano Pavarotti, and he'd bring June Jam staffers in the limo with him to see Neel and other popular rockers in concert over the years, said Brian Manges, who is Hartley's best friend and longtime June Jam musical director.

Manges, of Dover, said it was cool hanging out with Hartley backstage at Allman Brothers shows. Neel, who was born blind, fondly recalled Hartley's posh ride.

"I was driving the limo!" the visually impaired keyboardist joked. "Bob Hartley's a very good person and he loved music. ... I hope he rests in peace."

Joey Fulkerson says he's played June Jam about 30 times. He's due back this summer with his band, Nothin' But Trouble.

"Bob not being there is going to be a hard blow to everybody," Fulkerson, of Camden, said. "His footprint is across almost every aspect of the June Jam. So, it's gonna be an emotional day."

June Jam born from tragedy

Since it started in 1979, June Jam has raised more than $1 million for local charities that include Toys for Tots and Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. June Jam has also supported countless individuals struggling with financial hardships, said Lynn Fowler, longtime vice president of June Jam.

The festival was born from the need to help people, due to a tragic situation in 1978, where one of Hartley's classmates from Caesar Rodney was electrocuted while repairing a roof in Magnolia. Three young men were electrocuted and one died. Hartley and several others organized a benefit for the survivors. A year later, that evolved into the first June Jam.

Bob Hartley quietly 'did a lot for everybody'

Katheryn Hartley, 25, said she's been attached to her Uncle Bobby since birth. She said he was like a second father and would take her everywhere he went, from concerts to June Jam board meetings.

Katheryn's uncle strived to teach her independence and even gifted her first camera. That's evolved into the former Dover resident now working as a photographer in South Carolina.

She said her uncle's kindness didn't stop with her. He's helped many people over the years. A few months ago, he assisted a woman in Lewes who uses a wheelchair, who was basically trapped in her house because she didn't have a wheelchair lift.

Uncle Bobby helped the woman raise money for the lift, and he drove to Lewes multiple days a week to help install it, Katheryn explained.

"He just did a lot for everybody, kind of all-around Delaware. You go around and everybody knows who Bob is," she said. "If he hasn't helped you, then he helped somebody that you know."

What's next with June Jam?

Now Hartley's loved ones could really use some emotional help. In the last few days, Manges has lost family members, including his brother. The death of Hartley is testing his faith, he said.

"God doesn't give you more than you can handle. Sometimes I wonder about that statement," Manges explained. "But I have a lot of confidence."

He wants to work June Jam this year because "I know Bob would want it."

Manges said Hartley believed June Jam is the "longest-running continuous outdoor music festival in the country" because when the pandemic caused essentially all music festivals to stop in 2020, his friend fought to keep theirs going.

Fowler said the plan is for June Jam to continue this summer in honor of Hartley. She said she can't dive into specifics now but did promise the festival's leadership roles and staff will see some changes.

"Other than that, we're going to have the best music. We're going to provide the best entertainment that we've provided for 46 years."

Olivia Rubini rocks 'The Voices': She announces Delaware shows

'Ninja Warrior' stars to attack Delaware Ninja playground to debut soon. How to get involved

'He was our glue'

Hartley was captain of the football team and lettered in that sport and in wrestling. He graduated from Caesar Rodney in 1973. He attended the University of Delaware and would end up becoming a union electrician working alongside his father, Bob Hartley Sr., and brother, Tom Hartley, at his family's business, Diamond Electric.

He most recently was a managing partner at MainStay Suites Dover.

He's survived by his partner Brenda Carter, four siblings, (Tom, Mary, Ann and Liz), 10 nieces and nephews, and his puppy Cookie.

"He had a big, generous heart," Katheryn said about her Uncle Bobby. "He was our glue."

June Jam returns to G&R Campground (4075 Gun and Rod Club Road, Houston) from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 15. Tickets are $50 at door; Discounted tickets sold online. Visit junejam.com

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: June Jam founder dies at 68. Delaware festival legend is remembered