Don R. Hart

Don R. Hart, of Houston, Texas, peacefully departed this life at age 84 on May 19, 2011. Santina Guarisco Hart, his wife of 59 years and his four children, Devon, Amy, Conrad, and Julie were by his side.

Born in Youngstown Ohio on March 12, 1927 to Rosco Monday Hart and Olive Louise Osborne, he had one younger brother, Alvin Hart who all predeceased him. Don attended Valpariso High School, Purdue University, and was in the U.S. Navy. Before coming to Houston in 1954, he held many different jobs and even hitchhiked across the country twice. In 1951 he moved to Houston where he met and later married his beloved wife "Tina". Eventually, he found his calling in the insurance world where he started as an underwriter and later became the owner of his own agency, Essary, Hart & MacWilliam. He was very respected and well known in his field. In 1987 he merged his agency with Cravens Warren & Company. His son Conrad and daughter Julie still work there. He spent over 40 years in the insurance business of which he was very proud.

Don was known for his brilliant mind, straightforward manner, dry sense of humour and generous nature. He was a mentor to many and a man who loved to share his wisdom, knowledge, and stories. He was a great chef and loved to cook for others. He made friends with people from all backgrounds and all ages. Many considered him one of the best friends they ever had. Don not only believed that you should give back to the world but he practiced this all the time by helping family and friends whenever he could. He will be sorely missed.

Don is survived by his devoted wife, Tina Guarisco Hart. Surviving children include sons Devon Hart and wife Debbie Hart; Conrad Hart and wife Vivian Hart, and daughters Amy Hart Groblewski and husband Mark Groblewski, and Julie Hart and husband Scott Coonrod. He is also survived by grandchildren Matthew Hart, Megan Hart, Ryan Groblewski, and step grandsons Justin and Michael Coonrod. He also has several family members in Alabama and Michigan.

Flowers are welcome, or if you would like to make a donation in his honor, his favorite charity was the Salvation Army.

A memorial service to honor Don Hart’s life will be held on Saturday June 4th at 1:00 pm Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home,

6700 Ferris

Bellaire, TX 77401

(713) 667-6505