His zest for life, his faith in the love of family and his irrepressible humor were the hallmarks of his presence with us. He loved to pun and everyone had to pay attention to keep up with him. Throughout his eighty-nine years he rescued, adopted and cared tenderly for many dogs and cats that also became part of his family. Children and animals were always drawn to Leo.
Leo was born, August 12, 1923, in Kingston, New York and lived there until he volunteered to serve as an 82nd Airborne Paratrooper in WWII. He served with honor and distinction in Italy, Germany and Belgium.
After the war he settled in Miami, Florida, and married Vesta “Becky” Taylor Golden with whom he raised a family of five children. Their special love song was “Young at Heart.” Becky and Leo moved to Carroll County, Georgia, in 1976 and enjoyed a vibrant and fun-filled retirement, sharing time with their children, grandchildren, other relatives, friends and pets. Along with traveling with Becky in their camper to experience the beauty of nature, Leo enjoyed building things in his workshop, gardening, reading, and having lively conversations. Everyone who spent time with Leo will say that he was indeed a “one and only” and we will always have him with us because he is unforgettable.
He is survived by his wife, Becky Hart; children, Cynthia Elaine Taylor of Marshall, Virginia, Steven William Golden of Stockbridge, Georgia, Michael Terrence Hart of Waco, Georgia, Kelli Taylor Hart of Front Royal, Virginia; grandchildren, Lynn Merritt, Eric Hart, Marcus Golden, Christine Gordon, Nicole Ruibal, Heather Golden, Dominic Ruibal; great-grandchildren, James Fant, Glen Fant, William Golden, Brandon Golden, Tori Golden, Amber Golden, Elaine Bucci, Elizabeth Gordon, Nicholas Gordon, Elijah Golden; brother, Robert Hart of Clermont, Florida and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Xavier and Mary Tyrell Hart; daughter, Beverly Golden; brothers, Frank Hart and Bill Hart.
A memorial reception will held on December 1, 2012, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at his home. An occasion to remember and celebrate his life will be held around the anniversary of his birth, August 12, 2013, and will be announced.
In lieu of flowers please send a donation, in memory of Leo Michael Hart, to one of the following: The Humane Society of the United States at www.humanesociety.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org
Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com.
Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton.
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