News Summary
Lieutenant Commander Clifford A. Hart, Sr., former U.S. Navy officer, passed away at the age of 94. Remembered for his military service and devotion to family, he leaves behind a rich legacy of love and dedication. Hart’s life spanned significant historical moments and he played a vital role during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His family, including two sons and numerous grandchildren, honors his memory and contributions.
Williamsburg, Virginia – Lieutenant Commander Clifford A. Hart, Sr., USN (Retired), passed away at the age of 94 on August 26, 2025, following complications from a hip fracture. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
Clifford A. Hart, affectionately known as “Cliff,” was born on August 4, 1931, in Washington, D.C. His early life was influenced by his father, BC Hart, who worked in various capacities leading the family to relocate frequently, including stints in California, Washington State, and the Philippines. During World War II, following the U.S. Navy’s evacuation of families from the Philippines, Cliff and his mother returned to Louisiana. His father fought valiantly in the Bataan Peninsula and later became a Prisoner of War on Corregidor Island after its fall to Japanese forces in May 1942.
Growing up in Franklinton, Louisiana, during his father’s captivity, Cliff’s mother took on a pivotal role as the local representative of the International Red Cross. He graduated from Franklinton High School in 1946, where he was known by the nickname “Skip.” After a year at Louisiana State University, Cliff enlisted in the U.S. Navy on his 17th birthday in 1948. His naval career began with basic training in San Diego, followed by postings at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut, and later to Key West, Florida, where he met and married Janet Elizabeth Seeds from Miami.
Cliff and Janet enjoyed a loving marriage that lasted 73 years and welcomed two sons: Jeffrey Clifford Hart, a retired architectural draftsman and teacher in Hampton, Virginia, and Clifford Awtrey Hart, Jr., a retired U.S. diplomat residing in Singapore. Cliff was a devoted family man and is survived by seven grandchildren: James, Sarah, Christa, Nathaniel, Janice, Alice, and Ellen; two step-grandchildren: Emma and Ben; four great-grandchildren: Matthew, Cierra, Max, and Ava; and one great-great-grandchild: Scarlett. An eighth grandchild, Tracey, pre-deceased him. He maintained strong connections with Janet’s extended family throughout his life.
Throughout his military tenure, Cliff held numerous roles aboard naval ships and land duty positions in Virginia, Rhode Island, and Florida. He achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer in September 1959 and was later accepted into the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) program, becoming an Ensign in 1960. Cliff played a significant role during the Cuban Missile Crisis as he managed the Combat Information Center aboard the Heavy Guided Missile Cruiser USS Canberra. His participation in key military operations included Steel Pike, a major NATO exercise, while on the Amphibious Command Ship USS Taconic in late 1964. He served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, acting as an advisor on Mekong River patrols alongside coordinating the refits of South Vietnamese warships.
After returning to the U.S., Cliff commanded the Landing Ship, Tank (LST) USS Middlesex County and completed his naval career at Little Creek Amphibious Base, retiring in September 1974. He spent considerable time away from his family due to the demands of his service, occasionally being absent for all but six weeks within a year. Cliff held a lifelong passion for the sea, which continued even after his retirement.
Post-Navy, he operated steam locomotives at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg from 1975 to 1995. Cliff was also an avid reader from a young age, and he volunteered at the Williamsburg Public Library, sharing his love for literature with others.
Lieutenant Commander Hart is to be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, with a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the Hart family requests donations to the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society in memory of his service. His legacy as a devoted husband, father, and naval officer will be remembered and cherished by his family and the community.
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Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Lieutenant Commander Clifford A. Hart, Sr.
- Wikipedia: United States Navy
- Legacy: Erwin Hart
- Google Search: Clifford A. Hart
- Legacy: Donna Hart
- Encyclopedia Britannica: U.S. Military History
- Legacy: Diane Hart
- Google News: U.S. Naval History
- Legacy: Larry Wayne Hart
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
