Sean Harty

Sean Mathew James Harty, age 42, passed peacefully on July 5, 2025, while visiting a friend in Seattle, Washington. His friend faithfully stayed by his side at the Swedish Hospital until he passed.

Sean was born into a U.S. Navy family on June 1, 1983, in Norfolk, Virginia. The family was transferred to Newport, Rhode Island in 1985 where they remained until moving to Lindsborg, Kansas in 1988. Sean attended elementary, middle, and high school in Lindsborg.

Sean is survived by his parents and younger brother, all of McPherson County, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and a paternal uncle.

Sean was active in music, recreational swimming, and karate. He wrote original music including the lyrics and arrangements. Sean played the electric guitar and was known for his power chords and lively performances. Sean was a competitive swimmer, eventually taking multiple gold medals at the Kansas Sunflower Games. He earned his black belt in karate and won multiple medals in form and sparring at the Kansas Sunflower Games. Each year after competing in the Kansas Sunflower Games, the family would visit Sean's grandparents in Virginia Beach, Virginia. One of Sean's favorite memories from these trips was swimming in the Atlantic Ocean alongside U.S. Navy Seals who were conducting a training exercise.

Sean demonstrated exceptional creative talent. It was obvious from an early age. Sean moved to Lawrence, Kansas to further his art interests. He was an intern at Skin Illustrations where he received his tattoo license. After years working as a licensed tattoo artist, Sean opened his own boutique tattoo business called Hermit Tattoo and Gallery on Massachusetts Street in Lawrence.

Sean poured his soul into his art and had a devoted client base. He was one-of-a-kind and unapologetically himself. Friends described him as ‘a dash of flavor in an often-bland world.’ He had a beautiful soul, and it reflected in his artwork. His clients were loyal because they always felt comfortable around him and trusted his creative instincts. Sean was able to connect with clients on an emotional level that allowed him to understand what the client wanted and why.

Sean loved animals, shelter animals in particular, and they connected with him immediately. It was as if animals recognized Sean's innate kindness. Over the years, Sean had several rescued cats who lived long lives in his care. Sean would wish for any memorial gifts go to the Lawrence Humane Stray Animals and the Lawrence Humane Society.

Hermit Tattoo and Gallery will continue to serve the Lawrence area as a memorial to Sean. It will host a Celebration of Life for Sean on a future date.

Sean' artwork is found all around Lawrence, serving as a living memorial to his memory. The Lawrence tattoo family weeps.