Obituary of Vincent Paul Hart

Vincent Paul Hart passed away peacefully at age 90 the morning of Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

Vincent was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Hazel (Green) and Frank E. Hart. He graduated from  Marquette High School. After earning his Bachelor’s of Science degree at Purdue University and a Master of Science degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, he earned a PhD in Physics at the University of Iowa, where he met his wife, Barbara. They were married August 8, 1964. 

Vincent started his career as a physics professor at Gonzaga University, where he conducted research in low energy nuclear physics, and later moved his family to Wisconsin to take a tenured professor position at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI, where he taught physics and astronomy until he retired in 1998. In 2007, Vincent and Barbara moved to Puyallup, Washington, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Vincent lived a life guided by curiosity, education, music, service, and family. He was a vocalist in high school and college and a cantor at his church. He built his own telescope, and frequently woke his children in the middle of the night to see Jupiter, Saturn’s rings or a rare star in the sky, and enjoyed three magical trips with various family members to see the total solar eclipse. He was an avid gardener and an amateur carpenter, building and finishing many components of the family house in Wisconsin. Through his church, Holy Disciples, in Puyallup, he started a free Homework Assistance Program. He also provided free help for those who needed help filing taxes, and volunteered at the local food bank.

A kind, patient and thoughtful husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, neighbor and friend, Vincent is survived by his wife, Barbara; his son, Matthew (and his wife Linda Good Hart); his daughters Rachel Hart Rios (and her husband Jose Rios) and Leah Redfern (and her husband Michael Redfern). He is also survived by five grandsons: Owen Hart, Alessandro Rios, Daniel Redfern, Luca Rios and Samuel Vincent Hart. In addition, he is survived by his older siblings Walter Hart, Pat Dunn, and several cousins, nieces and nephews, and a close circle of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Alison Langford, and brother Bill Hart.

Vincent always enjoyed a good laugh, a tasty meal, the company of family and friends and the wonder of what is in the sky.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to The Alzheimer's Assocation. 

For details on Vincent Hart’s funeral service, email rachelhartrios@gmail.com.