Russell T. Hart, 97, of Westport, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Charlton Memorial Hospital. He was the husband of Phyllis J. (Hanson) Hart, they shared 75 years of marriage.
Mr. Hart was born in Fall River, son of the late George W. and Doris (Allen) Hart and was a lifelong resident of Westport and a graduate of Westport High School. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he served his country during the Korean War. He served 4 years active duty, 3 of which were spent in England followed by 3 years of active duty in the reserves.
Prior to retirement, he held many roles. He was a Boston Mutual Insurance Agent for 8 years, owned/operated R.T. Hart Lobster Co. along with many commercial lobster boats from 1955-2000. Many will remember his service to Westport as he held many roles. He was on the Board of Assessors from 1958-71, Board of Selectmen from 1968-71, he was Highway Surveyor from 1971-90, Fish Commissioner from 1990-2000 and again on the Board of Selectmen from 2001-2004. Until his passing, he was also a member of the American Legion, Noquochoke Masonic Lodge, the Lions Club and the Westport Historical Society.
Mr. Hart was known as a town trivia buff, he was a champion of all things Westport with a particular place in his heart for Westport Point. The family enjoys the fact that he was a town politician that never lost an election.
Survivors along with his wife include his son: Russell T. Hart, Jr. and his wife Lillianne of Westport; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Roger "Pierre" Hart and Bess Hart Botelho.
Graveside service to which relatives and friends are invited will be Friday, May 8, 2026 at Beech Grove Cemetery, Westport at 10:00 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Westport Historical Society at https://wpthistory.org/join-support/donate