Dr. John C. Hartley died on August 30 at Massachusetts General Hospital, after a long battle with cancer. He was 70 and was a well-known Edgartown dentist.

He was born Dec. 7, 1950 in Pittsburgh, Penn., hence his passion for the Pittsburgh Steelers and all things sports. He graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh and went on to receive his degree in dental surgery from the Medical College of Virginia. He set up a private practice in northern Virginia, where he became a successful and admired dentist.

In Virginia, he met his beloved wife, Robbie Hutchison. They married on Martha’s Vineyard on July 31, 1988.

After numerous visits to the Vineyard, they decided to make it their permanent residence. In the late 1990s, John set up his dentistry practice on Upper Main street in Edgartown and Robbie became a respected landscape designer. John was known for his caring treatment of his patients and was well-loved by his employees and patients alike.

They were often seen walking their dog during lunch breaks or while taking an evening stroll into town. Their dogs Ginny, famously known for her heart pattern on her side, and Watson won numerous ribbons at the Agricultural Fair. John also enjoyed playing cards with his friends, a round of golf and growing tomatoes.

In 2017, they retired to their special winter retreat of Naples, Fla. John continued being active, teaching dentistry and finding more leisure time to play golf.

He is survived by his sister, Barbara Hartley Karnes of Stuart Fla.; nephews Greg and Brian Poland and their families of Pittsburgh, Pa.; father in law, Norman Hutchison of Round Hill, Va; and sister in law, Kathy Sweeney of Winnemucca, Nev. and her family.

He was predeceased by his wife, Robbie Hutchison; father Clyde Edward Hartley; mother Elsie Barr Bernadine Barr; brother Kenneth Hartley; and nephew Joseph Poland.

A service will be held on Thursday, Sept. 30 at 11 a.m. at the Hillsboro Cemetery in Purcellville, Va. John will be interred next to his wife, Robbie.

Donations can be made to the Best Friends Animal Society.