Joseph C. Hart Jr., 93

MEREDITH — Joseph "Papa" Cornelius Hart Jr., of Meredith, who would have turned 94 on May 31, 2026, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on May 28, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

A beloved husband to his wife Nancy for 70 wonderful years, he built a life centered on love, faith, family and a quiet kindness. A man of unwavering faith, Joe lived the words of II Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” His life was a reflection of Christ’s love and a soldier’s strength.

Joe was born on May 31, 1932, the only son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Wass) Hart, in Quincy, Massachusetts. He graduated from North Quincy High School class of 1950, along with his wife Nancy (Cashen) Hart. He was raised by his parents with a deep respect for both his Creator and his country. Joe proudly served in the United States Navy from 1950 to 1954, during the Korean War. He was stationed in San Diego, California, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He worked on the submarine tender USS Nereus AS-17 and attained the rank of machinist mate first class. A highlight of Joe’s Navy time was playing in the Navy Band along with The Lawrence Welk Band. Joe’s love of music continued throughout his life playing the trumpet and piano. He loved listening to Big Band music and hymns and you would often find him tapping his hands and feet to the songs.

Beyond his military service, Joe graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, Massachusetts, with a degree in drafting. He worked for the Honeywell Company and later as a draftsman and manager at the Foxboro Company in Foxboro, Massachusetts, until his retirement. Joe was a member of the Scotch Presbyterian Church in Boston, Massachusetts, where he and Nancy were married. Together they attended numerous churches over the years including the Needham Presbyterian Church in Needham, Massachusetts, of which he was a founding member and helped to build. As the family grew, they attended the First Presbyterian Church and Fort Square Presbyterian Church in Quincy, Massachusetts. In his retirement, Joe and Nancy attended Calvary Bible Church in Meredith. As an active member of these churches, roles that Joe held included elder, treasurer, missions team member, and Sunday school pianist.

Joe enjoyed traveling, camping, and watching the New England Patriots, but his greatest joy was helping his family. His warmth and generous spirit will be remembered forever. A man of few words, Joe always demonstrated his love through his kindness and willingness to help, especially the love of his life, Nancy, and her many adventures. His four children were grateful to call him their Dad, while his six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren were blessed to call him Papa.

Joe is survived by his son Roy Hart and wife Kelly of Sandwich, Massachusetts, son Brad Hart of Sandwich, Massachusetts, daughter Melissa Torressen and husband Gary of Moultonborough, daughter Lesley Daigneau and husband Andy of Belmont; as well as his grandchildren, Alysha Torressen of Wolfeboro, Andrew Torressen and wife Brielle of Belmont, Christian Hart and wife Della of San Antonio, Texas, Abbey Ball and husband Jesse of Charleston, South Carolina, Sam Hart of Warwick, Rhode Island, and Leanne Daigneau of Belmont; and his great-grandchildren Revere and Venett Torressen and Maddie Hart. Joe is now reunited in Heaven with his parents and his beloved wife Nancy.

There will be no calling hours.

The family would like to extend their love and gratitude to the Lakes Region Visiting Nurse Association of Meredith, especially Abbey, Cindy, Shannon and Betsy, along with the Veterans Affairs Team in Tilton, including Linda and Maggie. You have all shown us and our beloved Dad/Papa such love during this extended period of his declining health.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 15, at Calvary Bible Church, 6 Saint James St.

For those who are not able to attend in person, the service will be live streamed from the church. Please use this link: youtube.com/@calvarybiblechurchmeredith-r3j.

Burial will be private at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, for the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, our family requests that donations be made in Papa’s memory to either LRVNA, 186 Waukewan St. #6023, Meredith, NH 03253, or Honor Flight New England, P.O. Box 16287, Hooksett, NH 03106.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.