Robert “Bob” James Hart

A life well-lived becomes a legacy. Robert James Hart, affectionately known as Bob, passed away on January 16, 2022. He lived life well.

Born in Ohio on August 17th 1931, Bob was preceded in death by his wife Shirley. He leaves behind a loving daughter and son, grandchildren, nephews and niece, and many friends. He will be missed.

Bob served four years in the US Navy, obtained a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio State University, and worked for Cooper Bessemer Corporation in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. He then made a careful decision to move his family to Newark Delaware where he worked for DuPont Corporation until retiring as a Principle Engineer in his 70’s. Following retirement Bob and Shirley enjoyed time traveling.

Robert J. Hart was world-renowned in the field of pump engineering. He served as Chairman of the American Society of Professional Engineers (ASME) B73 Pump Committee who awarded him the Dedicated Service Award in 2003, as Chairman of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Centrifugal Pumps Procedure Committee, and was a founding member of Texas A&M’s Turbomachinery Lab’s Pump Users Symposium’s Advisory committee. He also served as Chairman of DuPont’s Pump Committee–whose work served as the basis for ASME, ANSI, and international standards development. He was a natural mentor who shared an understanding of anything mechanical to anyone who wanted to learn. His most astute pupils remember the depth of his experience, his wisdom, and his propensity to solve complex problems.

Bob instilled in his children a commitment to family, an obligation to religious values, and the joy of fun when work was complete. He was often serious but backed up his dry wit with a straight-faced giggle. He loved a good engineering joke, especially when asked to explain what was funny. Bob’s legacy will live on for future generations.

A memorial service will be planned for a later date.