Hart Francis Smith

Hart Francis Smith Jr. Hart left us in the evening of Monday, March 26, at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in San Rafael. His passing was peaceful and followed a full day of visits from family. During his brief stay there all of his closest family members spent time with him. Hart leaves behind his children Christopher (Monica), Hart III, Emily (Steven) and David, and grandchildren Anthony, Andrew, Patrick and Alexander. Hart was predeceased by Wilma, his wife of 57 years, his sons Gregory and Charles, and his daughter-in-law Bernadine. Hart was born in San Francisco and spent his early childhood there, later moving with his parents to San Leandro where he completed grade school and high school. After high school, Hart attended the University of San Francisco where he received a BA in Economics followed by an MA from Yale, also in Economics. Hart's plans for further education in this field were interrupted in 1954 by his being called to serve our country as part of the post-war occupation of Germany. Hart served honorably for three years. After completing his military service, Hart began teaching mathematics and science to many generations of children. Hart taught in the public schools for 27 years, first in the Oakland Unified School District, then at Tamalpais High School from 1969 to 1977, and at Sir Francis Drake High School from 1977 to 1987. Hart and Wilma were married at Saint Dominic's Catholic Church in San Francisco in 1958, and started their family in Oakland where Hart was then teaching. They moved to San Anselmo in 1970. Hart was a 47-year member of Saint Anselm Catholic Church. He enjoyed family camping trips, playing tennis, hiking, attending community theater, and lifelong learning. Hart's initial retirement in 1987 was brief. He earned his MBA in International Business from Dominican University, but then returned to teaching mathematics at Catholic schools in San Francisco and Terra Linda for another 13 years. After retiring from teaching, Hart volunteered with Kaiser Permanente Hospital. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the medical staff at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Terra Linda for the care and compassion they gave to Hart during his final illness. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at Saint Anselm Catholic Church in Ross, on June 2 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the East Bay College Fund or St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County.