Todd Roger Hartford

Todd Roger Hartford passed away unexpectedly at his home in Wakefield on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the age of 60.

Known by many colorful names—some not fit for polite conversation—he was also affectionately called Thumpa, Toad, God Todd, and Papa Todd. Todd was born on January 14, 1965, to Roger Hartford and Mary Ann Zaprzalka. As a boy, when he wasn’t stirring up trouble, Todd could be found working on anything with an engine, including his beloved 1962 Oldsmobile, at Roger’s Reconditioning. The garage was his second home, where he, his beloved Rachelle, and every local troublemaker gathered—sometimes even passed out in the boiler room or parked on the front lawn.

Todd proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1983 to 1987 aboard the nuclear submarine USS Albuquerque after graduating from Kingswood High School. During his service, and with the help of his shipmates, Todd became well-versed in a vast array of colorful language.

A skilled Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Todd worked for several local businesses before starting his own venture, TRH Heavy Equipment Repair. While he found joy in his work, his family often laughed (and cringed) as Todd unleashed a stream of expletives at every machine-related mishap.

Todd was a warm and beloved figure to nearly everyone who knew him, though he struck fear into the hearts of seatbelts, trees, and gray squirrels alike.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart, (who Todd called his forever soul mate) and wife of 20 years, Rachelle Hamel Hartford; his son, Tyler Hartford and wife Katie, and their children Noah, Miley, Eliza, and Josie; his daughter, Chelsi Hartford-Harley, her husband Marcus, and their daughter Mya; his stepson, Billy “Toota” Goldthwaite, his wife Jennifer, and their sons Kam, Trenton, and Ryker; and his stepdaughter Sydney and wife Kamber McLain. Todd is also survived by his parents, Roger Hartford and Mary Ann Zaprazelka Hartford; his in-laws, Bill Hamel and Paula Vittum Hamel; and his sisters: Annette Rooney and her husband Brian, with their children Ben; Valerie Hartford and her children Emily and Brandon; and Bethany Hartford and her children Elizabeth and Thomas.

A “Todd-Friendly” service will be held on February 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the First Congregational Church of Ossipee. Attendees are encouraged to wear a TRH t-shirt or a shirt representing their own business, along with jeans. We also invite everyone to come ready to share their favorite stories and memories of Todd’s adventures.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Todd Roger Hartford, please visit our floral store.