TAMPA, Fla. — Robert Hart, 71, of Tampa passed away at home on Oct, 29, 2010, surrounded by his loving family and close friends.  Bob was born in Chesapeake and graduated from Chesapeake High School before eloping to Florida at the age of 18 with his sweetheart, Vivian. Shortly thereafter, Bob joined the United States Air Force and eventually retired in Tampa as a Chief Master Sergeant after 23 years of distinguished service.  Bob is a graduate of the University of Tampa.  Bob is survived by his wife of 52 years, Vivian; his son Chaplain Major Robert Hart, Jr., daughter-in-law Diann, and daughter Barbara Hart; his beloved grandchildren, Rachel and Sarah; his sisters, Mary Kazmierczak and her husband John, Betty Swann, and Dr. Dorothy Hart-Santora and her husband John; his brothers, Fred Hart and his wife Mary, Paul Hart and his wife Beverly, Charley Hart and his wife Judy, and Irvin Hart; and scores of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Harry, and his mother, Coral.  The family invites you to a celebration of his life on Friday at 10 a.m. at Manhattan Avenue United Methodist Church, 4511 S. Manhattan Avenue followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall and a full military committal service at the Florida National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Bob’s name to Manhattan Avenue United Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society, or LifePath Hospice.

Send online condolences to macdonaldfuneral.com.