Paul L. Hart, 81, of Newtown, passed on peacefully July 20, at Danbury Hospital. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 53 years, Mary Carol (Cookie Hart); his loving children, Jeffrey, Kevin, Catherine (Kallay), and Michelle; and son-in-law, William Kallay. He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Presley Ann and Maclane Hart.

Paul was born in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., in 1940 and went to Wood-Ridge High School. He graduated in 1959 and had maintained his friendships with his classmates to date. If you were fortunate enough to be friends with Paul, you were friends for life.

Paul also attended and graduated Newark College of Engineering. He went on to work as a surveying engineer until retirement. Paul also served in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1972. He then went on to serve in the United States Army Reserve for another 22 years.

He enjoyed skiing, fishing, and relaxing at the beach with his close and extended family at the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Paul will always be remembered as a sweet, humble, gentle giant. He will truly be missed by many.

There will be no funeral services. His immediate and extended family will have a private celebration of his life.