Westfield – Joseph W. Hart, 83, passed away at home on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 13, 1935 in Medford, MA to the late Russell and Josephine (Mele) Hart. Joseph proudly served his country in the US Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. While raising his family, Joe was active as a Prof. District Scout Master in VT and MA. He graduated from the University of MA, Amherst in 1978 and then spent time as a math teacher before retiring from the State of MA as a tax collector in 2002. After retirement in 2002, Joe and his wife Phyllis enjoyed several years of traveling in the country, Canada and abroad. Sailing every year on the American Eagle in Rockland, ME was a must. Spending time with his grandchildren also brought many years of happiness. Besides his wife, Phyllis (Lamb) (Vogel) Hart, Joe is survived by his children: Joseph W. Jr. (Victoria) of TX, John W. (Gail), James W. (Wendy) of MA, Jeffrey W. (Sara) of WI, George R. of CA and Regina M. of MA; his step-children: Thomas Vogel of Enfield, CT, Lori Wetzel of NH, John Vogel of MA and Robin Lewis (Gordon) of RI and his siblings: Russell (Elaine), Francis (Joyce) and Carol Nardone of MA. He also leaves his many loved grandchildren: Ben (Meghan), Elizabeth, Marilyn, Kristin, Lori, Michael, Monica, Harmony, Jacey, Melissa (Kyle), Jonathan, Sarah, Jeremy, Matthew, Robert, Autumn, Ethan and Spencer. He was predeceased by his sister Ann Connolly. Visitation will begin at 7:45 AM on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA and processing to the MA Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Agawam for services with military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe’s honor to Marine Toys for Tots; the Westfield Food Pantry, 101 Meadow Street, Westfield, MA 01085 or a charity of your choice. Please visit www.nefcc.net
