Lewis E. Hart

Lewis Eugene "Lew" Hart, 78, of Latrobe, passed away Saturday, Nov. 3, at Excela Health Latrobe Hospital. Born March 14, 1940, in Grove City, he was the son of the late Dean and Lille Belle (McAnallen) Hart. Lew graduated from Grove City High School before enlisting in the Marine Corps. After active duty, he remained a USMC reservist until 1964, while attending Slippery Rock University earning his bachelor's degree in health and physical education and enjoying his passion of playing football. He took a break from the military to marry his sweetheart, Barbara Dicks, and begin his family. In 1966, the newlyweds moved to Latrobe, and he began teaching physical education at the Junior High School. Two years later, he moved to the Senior High and added drivers' education to his curriculum. During his tenure with the school district, Lew also enjoyed sharing his passion for football with the students, first as an assistant football coach from 1966-1976 and then as the head coach in 1977-1986. He returned as an assistant coach in 1990 and remained involved with the program until his retirement. Never far from his mind was his duty to country. Lew re-enlisted in the Army Reserves as sergeant first class in 1976 until his honorable discharge in January of 1990. Lew retired from teaching in 1999 and relocated to Florida and sunshine. In 2008, they moved to Springfield, Mo., to be closer to family, and in October 2011, the happy couple returned to the Laurel Highlands. Lew is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Barbara (Dicks) Hart, of Latrobe; three sons and six grandchildren, Patrick, of London, England (Robert and Callula), Ryan and his wife Jennie, of Springfield, Mo. (Isabel and Anna), and Michael and his wife Nicole, of Latrobe (Dominic and Abigale); sister, Rebecca (Hart) Moore and her husband Charles; and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Lew's life from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, at FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME, 1543 Ligonier St., Latrobe, PA 15650. A private memorial service will be held Thursday. Military honors will be conducted in the funeral home by the Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greater Latrobe Partners in Education Foundation (www.glpief.org). Online condolences may be made at www.FrederickFuneralHome.com.