Robert "Buddy" Hart

1932 - 2016

Hart, Robert BuddyRobert Fredric Hart (Buddy) Sept 22, 1932-November 16, 2016, my partner, best friend and soulmate of fifty-seven years has gone home, leaving three children and four grandchildren with treasured memories of honesty, strength of character and success, but most of all his love and dedication to family and friends. Born in Brooklyn, NY he moved to Miami in 1940, attended N. Beach Elementary, Miami Beach High, U of Miami (BBA). Trained on floor of NY Stock Exchange where he became a stock and tape analyst, graduating with the highest score ever recorded. 1962 founded Imports for the Trade in Miami to manufacture and import high-end 18th century reproduction French and English furniture. Became largest importer in the United States, furnishing palaces and government houses throughout South America. Import programs included Macy's, Bloomingdales, WJ Sloan, Classic House, Levitz, Barker Bros. Home office and packing facilities in Florence, Italy, and offices in Madrid, Johannesburg and Manila. He showed at Chicago and High Point Marts.1976 the Spanish government appointed him to represent five leading furniture manufacturers for quality control and design effort for distribution to American market. The first meeting of Art Deco movement to save South Beach and create SOBE was held at his showroom with designers and community leaders. Chairman of the Foundation Board St Francis Hospital, member Committee 100. Selected to go on Air Force 2 to Peterson Base at NORAD to inspect "Star Wars" 1987. Moved to Mt. Dora 1992. Best known for restoring old Dora Hotel that was closed and boarded up for 10 years into the Renaissance elegant mini mall to begin the recovery of Donnelly Street. Mt. Dora Yacht Club, Kiwanis. Survived by wife, Valerie, daughters Alexa Bosshardt and Katherine Hart, Kurt Bosshardt, son Gregory, grandchildren Ryan and Blair Bosshardt, Alison and Garrett Hart. The family requests donations to Cornerstone Hospice House 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares 32778 and Kiwanis Club Foundation, Box 1277, Mt. Dora 32756