Obituary of Bruce Hart

“What is it that we really want for a young person when we give him or her vocational advice? The only creditable answer, it seems to me, is one that avoids utopianism while keeping an eye on the human good: work that engages the human capacities as fully as possible.”

― Matthew B. Crawford 

Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into The Value of Work

Bruce Allen Hart, 71, of Florence, KY passed away at his home enveloped in the love of family on November 10, 2024. Born on August 21, 1953, in Toledo, OH, he was the son of the late Charles and Mary [Noel] Hart.

Bruce was a proud graduate of Morehead State University. It was there at Waterfield Hall where he met his true love and partner for life in Ruby Farrow.  Both Bruce and Ruby sought employment in northern Kentucky as educators after graduation.  Bruce’s career in teaching centered on industrial arts. Through shop class, traditional draftsmanship, and survey of engineering, he guided students in design and fabrication with a hands-on approach.  Over time, and as the landscape modernized, he developed a practice which also included teaching his students to utilize different technologies and software such as AutoCAD.  In addition to teaching, Bruce also found great fulfillment in coaching sports. He coached basketball, football and girls’ softball for over 20 years.  As both a teacher and coach, Bruce was a well-known mentor in our community. Spanning his career, his impact was felt with students at Bellevue High School, Simon Kenton High School, Boone County High School as well as Ryle High School (from which he retired).

With such stout involvement in the community and profound dedication to helping others realize their potential, one would think Bruce had time for little else. However, nothing could be further from the truth. He was a parishioner at St. Paul Catholic Church in Florence. He refinished furniture and at one time, built a deck onto the family home. He crafted useful things like a magazine rack or a holiday reindeer shaped planter to give away as Christmas gifts. Bruce’s heart was the fullest, however, when he could go camping at a Kentucky State Park with his family.  It was the ultimate convergence of all his favorite folks and favorite pastimes. He could grill, people-watch or read from his chair, venture out to the gift shop for a treasure to add to his collection or step into the woods for a walk.  If it was raining, he could cuddle up with the grandkids in the camper and watch a movie.

There’s not a day which goes by that we’ll not love and honor this wonderful husband, dad, papaw, friend and coach.

Bruce was the beloved husband of 50 years to Ruby [Farrow] Hart; dear dad to both Amber Hart and Jessica Hart; treasured brother to Sue (Dave) Walinski, Brian (Bev) Hart, and Debbie (Michael) Jordan; as well adored papaw to Izzy and Cameron.

We’re comforted to know that Bruce was greeted in Heaven with a big hug by his parents and his son, Bruce Adam Hart.

Please come to the visitation which will be held for Bruce at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 8461 Dixie Hwy, Florence, KY, 41042 on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM.  Directly following, there will be a prayerful memorial service at 7:30 PM (also at the funeral home). Bruce’s urn will return to rest at home with family; awaiting future interment at Hillsboro Cemetery, Hillsboro, KY. 

Bruce’s generosity can live on, should you choose to make a memorial donation in his name to Bluegrass Care Navigators NKY either in person at services or online. The family requests you do this in lieu of sending flowers or other expressions of sympathy.

For directions, to leave an online condolence or to share a memory or photo of Bruce, please visit the tabs on this page.