Francis J. Hart

Francis J. Hart, age 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Born in Erie, PA on December 11, 1938, he was the eldest child of the late Ann Zohorsky Hart and Francis Hart. Fran attended St. Ann School and was a 1956 graduate of East High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne until his discharge in 1959.

Fran graduated from Edinboro State College in 1963 with a BS degree in Education and received an MED from Edinboro in 1967. He took additional course work at Clarion State College, Gannon College, and Western Michigan University. Fran was a teacher in the Erie School District from 1963 to 1991 during which time he taught History and Civics at East High School. He enjoyed swimming and being a lifeguard at the Olympic Swim Club during the summers of 1959 to 1965.

Fran also loved to read, a student of history and an avid baseball fan. He and his late wife Beverly were married on August 7, 1965 and shared almost 48 years of marriage. Fran enjoyed getting together with family and friends. He will be missed dearly.

In addition to his parents, Fran was preceded in death by his loving wife Bev, his parents Francis and Ann Hart, and his in-laws, Gerald and Helen Johnson and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Fran is survived by his siblings Dennis Hart, wife Barb, Patricia Hart, James Hart, wife Jean and Robert Hart, wife Teri all of Erie. He is further survived by his brother-in-law, Robert Johnson, wife Cheryl; sister-in-law, Barbara Johnson, husband Timothy and his companion, Jane Jenkins.

Friends may call at the Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street on Thursday, October 2nd from 4 to 7 pm. A service will be held there on Friday at 9:15 am followed by a funeral mass at St. Patrick Church at 10 am. Burial will follow in Erie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern PA, LECOM Visiting Nurses Association of Erie County or the charity of one's choice.