OBITUARY
Raymond L. Hart
December 16, 1952 – January 7, 2018
Raymond L. Hart, 65, passed away on January 7, 2018. Born in Thomaston, Connecticut to Donald and Leah Hart, he lived most of his life in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Ray was a passionate man who loved life, his family, friends, and the United States Navy. CMDCM(SW) Ray Hart enlisted in the United States Navy in August 1971 and retired on February 2, 2002. Ray started his second career with HMS Host at the Norfolk, International Airport as F&B Multi-Operations Manager from 2003 until 2018.
Ray was extremely loving and proud of his three sons, Don-Michael, Alex, and Zac. He is also survived by his sister Donna Sanford, of Thomaston, CT; as well as his many loving nieces, nephews, shipmates and friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bill Hart. A special thank you to Janay Jones for her loving care and support.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 from 6-8 PM at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 North Witchduck Road.
Funeral Service will take place at 12 PM on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home followed by a Committal Service at Albert G. Horton, Jr., Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA.
Services
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Visitation
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
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Funeral Service
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Memories
Raymond L. Hart
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYSarah Nagy
January 24, 2019
Happy to have had the pleasure of being by your side on 6RP.
Thank you for making me a better nurse.
Alan Dunn
January 16, 2018
First and foremost Ray was a good dude and will be missed as we know he touched many lives. I was 32yrs young and a brand new LDO Ensign when I met Ray. The first thing he did was give me his Choker Whites. He said he didn't need them, I was greatful for the gift from the OS Master Chief. He instantly fell in love with my son Corey. He treated Corey as if he was just another kid. To the father of an autistic child, that meant everything. He helped me build my first work bench. I felt like an idiot that I couldn't even use a tape measure properly. 15 years later I have a love of woodworking, thanks to Ray taking the time to educate me. I travel a lot, and Ray always took time to meet me at the airport and hangout. He'd ask about Charlotte, Bailey and Corey as if they were family. Because they were. Everyone in Ray's life was family. Also, no one made chicken parmesan like he did. Still one of my favorite dishes. Know this Ray, you left two very capable and loving young men to carry on your legacy of kindness and friendship to all. Miss you buddy.
Tamikia Floyd
January 16, 2018
God's peace and comfort during this time of lost. Ray was a funny guy! Haven't seen him in years but I remember him well while working with him at MacArthur Mall. There was never a dull moment with him around. God bless the family and friends of Mr. Hart. Peace and comfort to you all. Sorry I will not make the funeral on tomorrow, but I know it will be a true celebration of his life.
Beverly Johnson
January 16, 2018
I'm still at a loss for words. Although I have not seen Ray in a long time, I remember him fondly and cherish the time I spent working with him at SURFLANT. I pray that God will give his family and friends the strength they need to sustain them during this time and in the coming days ahead. Rest in Paradise, my dear friend.
Betty Fries
January 15, 2018
To the Family of Raymond L. Hart, Lt. Shea VFW Auxiliary to VFW Post 201 of Waterbury, Ct. want you to know that your loved one is in our thoughts and prayers. We thank him for his service. Betty Fries, President
Marlene Keeling
January 15, 2018
My heartfelt prayers go out to the family of Ray. Ray was a one of a kind person. He was a great co worker and I will never forget him.
Tony Giddens
January 14, 2018
I'm sorry for your loss.
January 14, 2018
Nothing I say will convey what I feel. Fair winds, Ray. You inspired me.
George Wetzel RMCM(SW/AW)(Ret)
Darlene Klimanoski
January 14, 2018
Dear Donna and family. Please know that my thoughts are with you. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Love Darlene Klimanoski
David Preston
January 14, 2018
Rest In Peace Brother, we have the watch.
Command Master Chief (Ret) David Preston
MCB 23
Charlie Lynch
January 14, 2018
I met Ray in 1991 onboard USS KEARSARGE. I was a brand new Chief, and he taught me what it meant to be a Chief. I will forever be in his debt, for making me the leader I am today. RIP Ray, we have the watch!!
Leslie Bisbee (Roper)
January 13, 2018
This morning my heart is breaking for the loss of this man, Ray my dear friend! Ray and I first met when he interviewed me for the position of being the first Ombudsman for PRECOM Kearsarge. Right away we were friends, even though at first, he did NOT want to worry about an Ombudsman, that's just the way he was. We just clicked. I got his sense of humor and his seriousness all at the same time! I worked hard to make his job a little easier. I was young, in nursing school and trying to support an awesome command. He taught me so much about the Navy, about his roll and about what a difference we could make in the lives of the families. He gave me more autonomy then most Ombudsman knew. We broke the CMC, Ombudsman molds! Even after leaving Kearsarge, we remained connected through different good times and sad. He mentored me to be the Ombudsman for Mid-Atlantic region and was a safe haven for me during the overwhelming aftermath of the USS Cole bombing. He stood up for my then husband during his path to Chief community and again when he retired. I have many stories...one of my favorite he shared with me, was when the Kearsarge was being commissioned in Mississippi, Colin Powell was in attendance and during an event, Colin Powell, dressed in his Army dress whites, tapped Ray on the shoulder and said...Hey Master Chief, how do you like my sailor suit?? What a cool moment!! Like I said, I could share so many stories and so many times Ray mentored me and just was my friend when I needed one. He was always in my corner. From everything I've read posted here...he was just that to so many. I was just in VA Beach and had sent him a message that perhaps we could grab a cup of coffee and catch up, I hadn't seen him in many years. I never heard back, and now I know why. I think that makes me all the more sad...I would have like that opportunity to share all this with him and what he met to me and so many who's lives he touched!! I'm sure he knows now and it makes him smile!! I send my sympathies and prayers to the entire family, Marie and the kids! The world we know was touched and changed by Ray and I know he will be so missed by so many...including this ole friend. He would not want us to be sad, but to do exactly what Marie asked us to...remember Ray and why he was important in our lives and celebrate that! RIP my friend...and as you taught me...Fair winds and following seas...we have the watch!
6 RP
January 9, 2018
Our hearts ache hearing this news.
Love and support from your family on 6RP <3