HANSCOM AFB, Mass.—It is with great sadness that Hanscom FCU announces Alan M. Hart, Hanscom FCU director, has passed away at the age of 77. A lifelong resident of Lowell, MA, Mr. Hart leaves his wife Jacqueline, five children, and 18 grandchildren.
Mr. Hart served as a board member for 28 years, the last five as treasurer. "Al was 100% committed to Hanscom FCU and the credit union philosophy," reflected Paul Marotta, Hanscom FCU's Chairman of the Board and fellow volunteer. "He embraced the philosophy of people helping people."
Mr. Hart worked for the Small Business Administration at Hanscom Air Force Base, often interfacing with small businesses contracting with the federal government. "He was astute, perceptive, and conscientious,” said Marotta. "He had a deep caring for the common, ordinary person. That's how he lived his life, both professionally and as a volunteer.
"No matter what committee he was asked to chair, what conference or training we asked him to attend, or what project we asked him to work on, he could be counted on. He never once hesitated. And he asked the tough questions when it was called for. Al was the ultimate director," Marotta said.
In addition to serving on the executive board and almost every committee for Hanscom FCU, Mr. Hart was the chairman of the Hanscom FCU Charitable Foundation. "He willingly and enthusiastically took on this role, and he helped define the scope of our mission."
Mr. Hart was equally devoted to his family. His table at the annual meeting overflowed with grandchildren, who would dance with him during the entertainment following the business meeting. At the holidays, he visited the teller line for rolls of silver dollars to give to them. He owned a second home in Maine, and summertime was always filled with visiting family.
Staff and fellow volunteers remember Mr. Hart's fondness for driving, golf, and reading. A co-worker recalled his “wicked sense of humor.” His red pickup truck carried him and family members around town as well as on the road to Maine, Chicago, and Washington, DC, where he attended the Government Affairs Conference every February for many years.
"Al was a true friend," Marotta said. "He was conscientious and respectful, and I could count on him."