ANDOVER - William E. Hart, 86 a resident of Andover since 1957, died at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, December 29th after a long battle with Cancer. He was born and raised in Lawrence and was the son of Mary (Connolly) and William I. Hart. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Alice M. (Sullivan).
Alice was his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life. He was a cherished and adored father and will be dearly missed by his children, Mary Hart and her husband Paul Barden Alfonsi of Gilford, CT, Patricia and her husband Atty. John N. Flanagan of Andover, Dr. William I. Hart and his wife Anne of Newburyport, Elizabeth and her husband Atty. Michael F. Hogan of North Andover, Michael S. Hart and his wife Jennifer of Andover. Mr. Hart had also mourned the loss of both his infant son Daniel and his Granddaughter Amy. He was the dear and devoted brother of his twin the late Sr. Mary Hart (Sisters of Good Shepherd), Margaret Hart and Virginia (Hart) Sullivan both of North Andover and Patricia (Hart) O’Donnell of Dallas, TX. He was Uncle Bill the “Fun Uncle” to numerous nieces and nephews whose company he always loved.
One of his greatest roles in life was being the fun-loving and devoted “Papa” of Kara and husband Ryan Malo and Laura Alfonsi, John and wife Allyson, Erin and William Ryan Flanagan, Michael, Shelagh, Matthew, Christina and Kathleen Hogan, William, Katherine and Rose Hart, Collin, Austin, Leah and Brendan Hart as well as “Old Papa” to Great Grandchildren Reiss and Owen Malo, Lotsie Avery and Deaglan Flanagan and Tessla Kurban. He enjoyed many happy summers at his Seabrook Beach home surrounded by all of them. He loved them to pieces and they adored him!
Mr. Hart was a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Lawrence ,Class of 1948. He received his A.B. in English Literature from Merrimack College as well as a Masters Degree from Boston State College and an Advanced Administration Certification from Boston College.
Mr. Hart was an Educator in Andover for over 30 years, most of those spent as Principal of West Middle School, a job that he loved. He had a unique ability to see the best in people and they in turn wanted to give him their best. His students were no exception. He realized that he was in a powerful position to have a positive impact in the lives of children and over the years he was told by many former students just how much he had touched their lives.
In 1972 Mr. Hart was honored for his study of British Middle Schools by London University. Both the Massachusetts House and Senate honored him for his contribution to Public Education. He was active in many Greater Lawrence organizations:
Greater Lawrence Community Action Council
Past President of the Andover Education Association
Director Andover Historical Society
Chairman Andover United Fund, Andover School System
Chairman United Nations Committee
Member of St. Augustine Parish
Mr. Hart was a Korean War Veteran, serving in the Far East as Asst. Post Engineer at Yokohama Engineer Depot. He joined the Army Reserve and served in many command positions and retired as Lt. Colonel. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. He was an annual participant in the Andover Memorial Day Parade and was often accompanied by an enthusiastic grandchild or two. He loved the fact that he could still fit into his uniform after all those years. Mr. Hart loved God, Family and Country and devoted his life to serving them all.
He will be forever missed by his family, friends and all those who loved him dearly. We promise him that we will “Keep the party going!” It just never will be the same without him.
Calling hours will be held at St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex St., Andover, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 3 rd. The Mass of Resurrection to be held on Wednesday, January 4th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Church.
In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests the following:
In honor of her Grandfather, Erin Flanagan will be running the Boston Marathon raising funds for the Melanoma Foundation of New England. Donations can be made at
https://www.crowdrise.com/. Donations may also be made to Lazarus House: https://lazarushouse.org/donate/
For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.