It is with heavy hearts that the family of Richard “Rick” Henry Hart, 63, of Mooresville, N.C., announces his passing on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center. Rick fought a courageous, two-month battle for survival following a massive heart attack. His wife of almost 39 years, Kathleen, was at his bedside holding his hand when he went to be with our Lord God. He will be dearly missed by his wife, two sons and two granddaughters, but they all look forward to seeing him again in Heaven.
Rick was born in Dalton, Mass., on September 28, 1960, to the late Martin J. and Ruth H. (Burke) Hart. After concluding his studies at Berkshire Community College, he served in management at various businesses, including Cumberland Farms, K-B Toy Stores and Food Lion. He was also an independent owner/operator for Arnold Bread for almost 10 years.
Rick’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. This was especially apparent each evening when he played board games after preparing the family meals. He spent many days in his woodworking shop working with his son making pens and other wooden articles. His other interests included music and photography. Rick’s love for photography led him to become an avid collector of vintage cameras. Rick enjoyed the company of his family as well as the Wojtkowski family, often participating in many events where he could carry on a conversation with anyone on any subject. He also liked traveling to different parts of the world whether he was camping, cruising or flying. Some of the places he visited included Europe, the Caribbean, and much of the United States.
Never hesitating to lend a helping hand, Rick served as a scout leader in Pittsfield, Mass., while his sons were participating in Boy Scouts of America. He served as vice president of the board for the Wildwood Cove Homeowners’ Association. He also attended and assisted at many of the events hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lake Norman/Iredell, where his son, Thomas, serves on the board.
Rick is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Wojtkowski) Hart; his children, Joseph (Aryn) Hart of Gastonia, and Thomas Hart of Mooresville; and his two granddaughters, Rena and Stephanie. He is also survived by his siblings, Robert (Kathy) Hart of Lenox, Mass., David Hart of Pittsfield, Mass., and Mary Hart of Adams, Mass. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Nancy, Marsha and Barbara. He so loved his family and always tried to bring them joy.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, September 5, between 5 and 7 p.m. at the Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, 494 E Plaza Drive, in Mooresville, N.C. Funeral services will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church, 217 Brawley School Road, at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 6, and will continue at Iredell Memorial Park in the Peace Garden for his interment. Following the services, family and friends are invited to share their memories of Rick at a celebration of his life to be held at Memory Lane Museum, 769 River Highway, at 3 p.m. In addition, a celebration of his life is planned for Friday, September 6, in Berkshire County for family and friends residing in and around Pittsfield, Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the NAMI Lake Norman/Iredell and/or Hospitality House of Charlotte.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Hart family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.