Dennis James Hart

DENNIS JAMES “DENNY” HART, age 77, beloved husband for 10 years of Carol (nee Bakos); loving father of Brian (Jen), Craig (Chenette), and Eric (Meghan) and loving step-father of Anthony (Andria) and Nicholas Nastasi; devoted grandfather of Makayla (Nick), Matthew (Hartley), Mackenzie and, Mia Hart, Michael and Ryan Hart, Giulianna and Charlotte Hart, and devoted step-grandfather of, Giavanna, Vincent and, Dominic Nastasi, and Ellianna Nastasi, and Grace Pruchnicki and Everett T, Avery Wynn and Noah Sitko; cherished son of the late Joe and Ruth (nee Dwyer) Hart; dearest brother of Nicole, Joe, Carolyn, Janice, Lauren, Rose, Tom, and the late Allison; best friend of Tom Jones; former husband of Angela Hart; dear uncle, great uncle, friend, and business partner of many. Proud U.S. Navy Veteran.

Dennis was born on October 28, 1948, to Joe and Ruth in Cleveland,, Ohio. He graduated from Shaw High School before deciding to make the brave decision to join the United States Navy. He courageously served his country for many years before being honorably discharged. Dennis was a resident of Geauga County for over 45 years and was a well-respected entrepreneur within the community. He was an adventuristic entrepreneur and was always willing to start the next big business. Dennis owned and operated a variety of companies over the years, North Coast Veal, North Coast Sugar Bush, European Gourmet Almonds, and Nectar of the Vine. He had a vital role in starting The Buckeye Chocolate Company for his sons to manage and operate. Dennis also had his own family farm that he diligently tended that he often referred to as the “Hart Land”. This is where he operated another company called West Geauga Balloon Port. As a balloon pilot, he gave out thousands of rides hours before dusk to many happy adventurous people. He met his beloved Carol, and the two spent a happy 26 years together, officially tying the knot in 2016. Together, the two of them formed a beautifully blended family. Dennis had a knack for following trends and a mind for numbers and was actively involved in the stock market. He passed down his entrepreneurial skills to his children, and even actively involved them in his businesses. Being able to share his passion for what he does with those most important to him was his greatest enjoyment in life. When he wasn’t working or checking his stocks, Dennis enjoyed traveling to his home in Florida and flipping houses. He enjoyed travelling the world and experiencing different cultures. His love for his family extended to the furry and four-legged members as well, and he deeply cared for his canine companions Nika and Quincy. He was the kind of guy who knew everything about everyone and had a sweet tooth for anything with sugar in it. Dennis passed away at home surrounded by his family on March 10th, 2026, leaving behind a legacy as a man who took great pride in his service, work, and family.

Contributions may be made in memory of Dennis to St Jude Children's Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online HERE, or to Mercy Ships at P.O. Box 1930 Garden Valley, Texas 75771 or online HERE. Prayers of Christian Burial followed by Military Honors Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 5 PM at THE FUNERAL HOME. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Dennis at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) WEDNESDAY FROM 3-5 PM.

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