Joseph E. Hart

Captain Joseph E. Hart Jr., 75, passed away peacefully in his Fairfax, VA home on August 30, 2020 after a five-year battle with ALS. Capt. Hart was born on July 4, 1945 in Akron, Ohio to Joseph and Maria Hart. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather (Grandpa Joe). Capt. Hart began his Navy journey via Miami of Ohio University’s Navy Reserve Officer Training Program where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry on a ROTC and Golf scholarship. He was also a member of Phi Tau Fraternity. He earned his Wings on October 1, 1968 and went on to serve, having an illustrious and decorated career before retiring at the rank of Captain with 30 years of services. During his career, he became certified to fly the A4 Skyhawk, the A7 Corsair and the FA18 Hornet. Capt. Hart held numerous leadership roles as a pilot, landing signal officer, operations officer, instructor pilot, commanding officer of VA 28 squadron and Commanding officer of NAS Lemoore and diplomat (Defense and Naval Attaché in London), VA 72 Blue Hawks-Jacksonville, FL (1969-1971), VT 23 Training Command Instructor-Kingsville, Texas (1971-1974), VA 104 Ghost Riders-Lemoore, CA (1974-1976), VC 724 Exchange Pilot-with the Royal Australian Navy in Nowra, Australia (1976-1978), VA 97 War Hawks-Lemoore, CA (1978-1981), VA 27Commander Royal Maces – Lemoore, CA (1982-1984) CINPAC – San Diego, CA (1984-1986), Operations Officer Midway – Yokosuka, Japan (1986-1988), CINPACFLT – Pearl Harbor, HA (1988-1990), Commanding Officer- Naval Air Station Lemoore, CA (1980-1992), Defense and Naval Attaché, London, England (1993-1996), worked under the Secretary of the Navy – Washington, DC (1996-1997). Capt. Hart built lasting friendships and cherished memories all around the world. Capt. Hart held key positions with the US Pacific and US Atlantic Fleets. While at sea Capt. Hart deployed with Air Shangri-La, the USS Midway (in Japan), the USS Lexington, the HMAS Melbourne (in Australia) and the Coral Sea including 900+ Traps on these aircraft carriers. For his exceptional performance and achievements, Capt. Hart was awarded several decorations and medals including: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (w/Oak Leaf Cluster), Navy Commendation Medal (multiple awards), E Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and 1980 Best Bomber Award. Capt. Hart, then Lieutenant JG Hart, was introduction by a mutual friend to the love of his life. Mahala Watkins, a school teacher, in Jacksonville, FL. They were married on July 1, 1972 in Jacksonville, FL. Following his active service in the Navy, Capt. Hart built a plane, A RV-8 2 seater, experimental, which they both enjoyed flying all over the States. Following retirement, he went to work for a company that is now part of Leonardo DRS Technologies. Capt. Hart’s work involved drone programs and projects. He worked for DRS Technologies for 11 years. Capt. Hart is survived by his wife Mahala Hart; daughter, Keira Hart-Mendoza; son, Zane Hart; two sisters, Chris McNichol and Mimi Harris; two brothers, John Hart and Mike Hart; four grandchildren, Miranda Hart, Isaac Hart, Sebastian Mendoza, and Lucy Mendoza; and several nieces and nephews. He was a committed and loving husband and father, a kind and warm hearted friend. Things he was passionate about were building model airplanes, playing golf (having a 4 handicap at one time and member on Army-Navy Country Club), boating (member of National Potomac Yacht Club), flying, building things, and helping others. All who knew him will mourn his passing. A viewing/Celebration of Life will take place at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151 (www.DemaineFunerals.com) on September 9th (4-7PM) and a burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date (most likely in February). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association at www.als.org. The mass will be celebrated at the Ft. Myer Chapel by Father Jerry Wooten of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, date to be determined.