Richard A. Hart III, age 71, passed away unexpectedly on May 15, 2024 at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, Va.
Rick was born on March 1, 1953 in Providence, Rhode Island to the late Richard A. Hart Jr. and Mary (Maher) Sullivan. He is the eldest son of six other siblings, Stephen, Timmy, Bobbie, Theresa, Patrick and Kathy.
Richard is survived by his wife, Virginia; his children, Ricky, Christopher, Katy, Kelly, and Patrick; his grandchildren, Alena, Chloe, Braeden, Rylan, Bailee, Declan, Kennedy, Jakob, Liam, Natalie, and Corynn. He is preceded by his son Kieron, who passed away in 2017.
Rick was head coach of the Bishop O’Connell High School baseball team from 2004 until he retired in 2012. He remained at the school as Head of Security until 2019. He was a beloved member of the Bishop O’Connell community. In 2004, Rick was named the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Coach of the Year. In 2007 and 2008, he served as a coach of the National Amateur Baseball Federation where he participated in the Junior Olympic trials and was the winner of the Pioneer award. He also coached Challenger baseball, D1 and Little League baseball for many years. In November of 2023, Coach Hart was inducted into the Bishop O’Connell Hall of Fame.
After retirement, Coach Hart moved to Norfolk. Due to health complications, Rick was immobile for much of this time. In his suffering he was transformed into a man of prayer, dedicated to the Rosary. He especially loved to pray the Luminous Mysteries. He would always highlight the spiritual fruit of the Mystery of The Wedding Feast of Cana -”To Jesus through Mary.” Virginia shared his Cross during his final year and served him heroically.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church.
The family of Rick Hart wishes to express their sincerest gratitude and thanks for your love and support during this time of bereavement.
Richard Aloysius Hart III
March 1, 1953 - May 15, 2024
“I’m 100 percent sure that God will not judge me by my win-loss record. I was given the gift of baseball as a vehicle to help others.” - Coach Rick Hart in a 2012 interview upon his retirement.
