Walter E. Hart

HART, WALTER E., (SHORTY), 87, - of Fawn Lakes, section of Stafford Township, formerly of Long Beach Island, passed away on June 18, 2008, at his home. Walter, known to all as Shorty, was born in Trenton, and was a life long resident of Long Beach Island. He grew up in Beach Haven and had residences in Brant Beach and Ship Bottom. Shorty attended Barnegat High School. After graduation, Shorty went to work for Beach Haven Fishery. He worked out of New York City and followed the fishing down to Florida. He worked for Jens Jensen in Barnegat Light. He then came ashore and worked as a carpenter for Bill Thomas, Bub Cranmer, and Art Hargis. He was also self-employed. Shorty retired as an electrician's helper with Phil Hart Electrical Contractors. Shorty was a member of Carpenter's Union Local 2018. He was an usher at St. Francis of Assisi in Brant Beach. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He served on the Long Beach Island School Board, and was President of the Long Beach Township Zoning Board of Adjustments. He was a Hurley Conklin award recipient, awarded to those who have lived in the Barnegat Bay tradition. Shorty is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lois Hart (nee Waldo), his children Ann-Marie Woods of Warren Grove, and Bergen Hart of Belleview, Florida. Grandchildren Greg and Evan Woods, Adele, Bergen II, and Rachael Hart, and great-granddaughter Collette Judy, brothers Gurney Hart and Phil Hart and his wife Ruth, sister-in-law Joan Hart, brother-in-law Allen Tonnesen, and many nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren. A memorial will be held at the Tuckerton Seaport on Wednesday July 16, from 7pm to 9pm at the Tucker's Island Lighthouse. Friends and Family are invited to this informal gathering to remember Shorty. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Tuckerton Seaport. Thos L Shinn FH was in charge of Arrangements.