Loring Edward Hart

Loring Hart Obituary

Loring Edward
Hart, 88
FALMOUTH -- Loring Edward Hart passed away at age 88 in Falmouth after a full and eventful life.
Loring was born in Bath in 1924 to Joseph Edward and Elizabeth Hayes Hart. Loring had a brother, Frederick, who was a life-long Bath resident.
Loring is survived by his wife, Marilyn Cummings Hart, also of Bath; two children, Ellen Louise Hart and Matthew Cummings Hart; and three grandchildren, Frederick, Zola and Spenser.
Affectionately known as the King of North Road, he spent 27 years with Marilyn in North Yarmouth, living a grand Maine life.
Earlier in his life Loring served in WWII with the 4th Armored Division in Patton's army. Upon his return in 1946 he graduated from Bowdoin College Phi Beta Kappa, earned a master's degree in English at the University of Miami, and received a Ph.D. in American Literature from Harvard University in 1961.
Moving to Vermont, he spent 25 years at Norwich University, eventually serving as president for 10 years. He next worked for the Bowdoin College Development Office and then served as president of St. Joseph's College in Standish for eight years.
As an educator and college administrator, Loring mentored thousands of New England students. He was also a committed collector of books, primitive antiques and collectibles.
A memorial service is planned for Sunday, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m., at the David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath. To Share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
Donations in Loring's memory
may be made to:
The Phippsburg Land Trust
1042 Main Rd.
Phippsburg, Maine 04562
Loring Edward Hart

Published by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on Nov. 4, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for Loring Hart

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Loring Hart was the Instructor for all three quarters of English Composition in my Freshman year (1956-57) at The University of Kentucky, Lexington. I have told hundreds of people about him over the years and how his pedagogy and teaching philosophy have been a major inspiration throughout my life. No one in my family had been to college but inspired in part by Dr. Hart, I wound up with a PhD myself and a long career at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
My heartfelt wish for many students over the years has been that they "experience a Loring Hart in their lives". Professor Hart had identified himself as being from Popham Beach, Maine. Recently I related my experience with Dr. Hart to local friends with Maine roots who knew of Popham Beach. That conversation inspired this search. I would be grateful to connect with members of Professor Hart's family.

David Hake

Student

January 16, 2022

Dear Marilyn, Ellen and Matthew: I heard all about Loring's death and funeral from my mom. It sounded like a very full and fitting tribute to him. I will always remember him as a thoughtful and nice man when I was a kid. It seemed as though he always paused a moment before speaking, as if to make sure his words were meaningful. As an adult and a writer today, I still remember that and admire it. My sincere sympathies to all of you,

Elaine Povich

November 23, 2012

One of my fondest memories of Saint Joseph's College was being able to just drop into Dr. Hart's office and have a chat about history, antiques or anything else that crossed our minds. He was so typical of the Greatest Generation. My sincere condolences to his family.

Julie Moore

November 20, 2012

Marilyn,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Loring. Mom and Dad (Shirley and Hamilton Tewksbury) often talked about you both. I received Loring's obituary which you had sent to Mom. She unfortunately died on October 2 due to complications from hip surgery. (Dad died last year right after Thanksgiving.) As I worked to recall stories Mom had told me I tried to remember how you had met, but was unsuccessful. I do know you held a special place in Mom and Dad's hearts. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this time and will continue to be so.

Meredith Tewksbury Menton

November 18, 2012

Good Morning. Marilyn . . .

Dottie and I intended to be with you and your family today but I am just out of the hospital and not quite stable, so we'll take this means to let you know that you remain in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness.

Our relationship runs long and deep. As Superintendent of Schools in Northfield I experienced and appreciated Loring's strong and steadfast support. Later as a member of the Board during most of his years at St. Joseph's College, I admired and respected his skillful leadership in moving the College forward. In these later years, we have continued to enjoy him as a friend.

Loring was a man of integrity, warmth and great humor. We are grateful for his presence in our lives. We shall miss him.

Dottie and Nelson Megna

November 18, 2012

Dear Aunt Marilyn, Matthew and Ellen,

I want to express my deepest sympathies during this sad time. Uncle Loring was a strong figure in my life and I so cherish those memories. I know he touched so many lives in such profound ways.

I am reminded of a poem my late father wrote, which I would like to share with you:

If in a Painting

"The sun moves slowly up the coast.
Windows, eyes look out.
Late afternoon on Long Island Sound.
The sun looks on: straw-colored marshes,
cattails, pampas,
waving islands, fingered inlets,
serpent channels in a painter's light.
Wheatfields under Chartres;
ripened, fading
as the blue-white catches in a final cast
a sailboat, framed in silence
on the pale-blue surface
of a painted bay.
The train moves on.
The sun grows distant.
Shadows linger
in New England light.
The sky grows thinner, colder.
Promises, beauty
fade to a lonely place.
The landscape loses
to a certain North.
Twilight, darkness closes in its fist
the rootless greeting,
the eternal return."

I wish you much strength.

With Love,

Eric Warren Goldman

November 14, 2012

We were sorry to learn of Dr. Harts death. We were priviliged to know him personally thru my service on the NU Board of TrusteesOur hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. Lois & Bob Garside NU "56"

November 13, 2012

I am so very sorry for your loss. Dr. Hart was one of the most wonderful people that I have ever met. He reached out and helped so many people. He improved so many lives with his many contributions to society. It was a privilege and honor to be his caregiver and to hear him talk about his life. He blessed my life each day with his smile, laughter and interesting conversation. I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dr. Hart. He will be forever in my heart.

Kathy Fasulo

November 12, 2012

He was my "adopted" grandfather. I will love him forever.

Alisha Parker

November 11, 2012

Marilyn, Ellen, Matthew

Nicha and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to you all.

I consider myself fortunate indeed and my life enriched for having known
your father both as the father of friends growing up in Northfield and as a Cadet at Norwich University during his tenure as President. I will always carry fond memories of our association.

With love,
Fred and Nicha Knudsen

November 9, 2012

Mrs. Hart--

It was an honor as a Cadet to have a President like Dr. Hart in Jackman, and a greater honor last year to celebrate his birthday with him and present to him his Old Guard Medallion as a Member of the Class of '61.

I truly have enjoyed knowing you both.

With best regards, Bob Bell

Bob Bell NUCC, '84

November 8, 2012

As Dwight Pierce, Jr.'s older daughter, I want to extend the condolences of the extended Pierce family. Dr. Hart was a dear childhood friend of my dad, who kept his friends for life. I reread with pleasure my mother, Norma's, wonderful history of their storied high school years in her scrapbook from that time. A treasure, to say the least. Their class of 1942, of which I believe Dr. Hart was valedictorian, was an unusually tight group who maintained their special relationships throughout long lives. In the minds of my sister, Abby, and I, you all are legendary.

With best wishes,
Polly (Pierce) Morgenstern

Polly Morgenstern

November 7, 2012

Dear Mrs. Hart,
I would not be the person I am today without him.
God Bless him and you.
Love,
Lynn

Lynn Bushnell

November 6, 2012

It was a privledge to be part of his administration at Norwich in the 70s. It was even better to get to know Marilyn and family as we attended alumni events. Thanks for guiding us through some interesting times. RIP Dr Hart.

George Bell

November 6, 2012

My sincere sympathy to Marilyn Hart and their daughter and son. President Hart was a man of integrity and humility who strived to make Saint Joseph's College a true institution of learning during his tenure as President. Dr. Hart took time to dine with faculty, ask questions and share his love of learning and antiquing. He wanted the best from the faculty and staff and set the example of how to achieve high standards through his professionalism and approachability. It was a pleasure to serve on the faculty in the Education Department under Dr. Hart. May God grant him eternal peace and Marilyn and their son and daughter comfort during this time.

Sister Margaret Coyne

November 4, 2012

Dear Marilyn and Children,
My sincere condolences go out to you at this time of great loss.
It was my privilege to be on the teaching staff of St. Joseph's College during Dr. Hart's presidency. He was truly a gentleman, an educated professional who left his mark on St. Joseph's. It has benefited from his strong and wise administration. May he rest in peace.
Sr. Mary Jude RSM
(Professor Emerita
of Business)

Sr. Mary Jude

November 4, 2012

Dr. Hart was a great teacher and a warm and inspirational man.

Judge Brian Merrick NU '66

October 30, 2012

I had the pleasure of visiting with Dr. Hart a couple of times over the last 12 months or so. He was always the gentleman and scholar we remembered. Although his memory had faded in recent years, he recalled his days at Norwich with great clarity and appreciation - particularly Gen. Harmon and the English department. He was a great man who will be missed by everyone who knew him.

David Casey

October 25, 2012

Professor Hart was my husband's favorite. I was honored to meet him and Marilyn back in the early 60's. We were so proud when he became President. R.I.P. Professor

October 24, 2012

Dr. Hart unfolded his knowledge as if he were a care giver concerned deeply about the present and future circumstances of all those who sat in his classroom. A truly remarkable person whose learned insights into the literary world combined with a warm and loving heart to inspire many at Norwich to live life with integrity and thought-fullness.

Ben Chase

October 24, 2012

Professor Hart. You were always a tough and demanding taskmaster. The English and writing skills I polished with you have served me well in war and peace. You fought the good fight, you finished the course, you kept the faith! Rest in peace. William Fontaine Bell, NU '62'.

William Fontaine Bell

October 24, 2012

My condolence to Marilyn and the Hart family. I still nuture fond memories of Professor Hart, and most especially the senior seminar on Hemmingway.
He is a person who positively influenced my life.

Phil Sweeney

October 24, 2012

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