The Honorable Joseph ("Joe") L. Hart, Jr. (Ret.), age 84, of Boylston, MA, and Naples, FL, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2023, surrounded by the comfort of his loving family. Joe is survived by the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Judith (Dowley) Hart and his children Patrick Hart of Shirley, Christopher and Joanne Hart of Worcester, Kevin and Lori-Anne Hart of Boylston and Maryjo Hart Reyes and Sergio R. Reyes of Hudson. Joe was the best Grampy in the world to his nine grandchildren and one great grandchild Caroline McManus, Joseph Hart, Molly Hart, Lydia Hart, John Hart, Mary Hart, Rebecca Hart, William Hart ("Teddy"), Maxwell Reyes and Adrian Hart. He also leaves behind his former daughter-in-law Leslie Hart and everyone's favorite uncle, Charlie. Joe was born on August 22, 1938 in Lowell, MA, the proud son of the late Joseph L. Hart, Sr., and Dorothy (Flanagan) Hart. He is preceded in death by his brothers Alan M. Hart, Sr. and Daniel F. Hart and is survived by his sister Ann T. Tevnan of Lowell, his sisters-in-law Jacqueline Hart of Dracut and Joan Hart of Lowell, and his cousin Kathie White of Derry, NH. Joe was a devoted uncle who loved his siblings and his many nieces and nephews. There was always great humor and mystery surrounding the identity of his true favorite nephew (D…). He also leaves his dear friend of more than 75 years, John "Jake" McCormack and the McCormack family, Sandy, Mike and Cathy, with whom he and his family shared many fun filled vacations and laughs, including on "regular Saturday nights". The McCormacks and the Harts grew into a true family that will forever carry forward the spirit of Joe and Jake's friendship. Joe studied at Merrimack College and earned his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School in 1969. A respected member of the bar since 1969, Joe practiced family law in Marlborough for nearly three decades before he was appointed as an Associate Justice of the Worcester Probate and Family Court in March of 1999. He also served as the First Justice of the Worcester Probate and Family Court from 2004 until his retirement in 2008. Only second to his love of his family, was his love of the law. He returned to private practice upon his retirement and was actively practicing until his passing. Joe was a founding member of the "Moles", a distinguished group of gentlemen organized in Lowell in 1956, for the purpose of congregating for fun and endless shenanigans. The members included many of his life-long friends. On March 7, 1999, the Moles Selection Committee voted "on the SPOT" to select Joe as the "Head Mole" making him the first - and only - inductee into the exclusive Moles Hall of Fame. He was given this award and honor by the Moles at a celebration of his appointment to the bench, however, being selected as "Head Mole" meant more to him than any professional achievement. Time spent with his family and friends was the greatest joy in Joe's life, from traveling with Judy, family and friends, to watching Red Sox games (after his beloved Boston Braves left town) both at home and at Fenway Park and enjoying the six Patriots Super Bowls after many years of suffering as a devoted fan (after attending the first ever Patriots game at Nickerson Field and first playoff game at Fenway Park). Joe deeply loved and respected his wife, Judy, and together they accomplished so much. They were a team and were almost always together, whether it be at home or in the office where Judy worked with Joe for many years. Even when Joe was appointed as a Judge, their dear friends gifted Judy a gavel engraved "Judge Judy". Anyone close to them knew that Joe was deferential to Judy, because of the trust and the love that he had for her over all of their years since that fateful day over 60 years ago when Joe crashed a party at Judy's parents' house and told her "my brother, Al, sent me." He is reunited in Heaven with many friends who he dearly missed, especially the members of the Moles who preceded him in death. We imagine he is already playing a round of golf and having laughs with his brother Al, sharing a meal of roasted peppers and Bertucci's rolls with Paul Cellucci, and planning daily lunches with David Gadbois. The impact of Joe's integrity, easy laugh, sharp sense of humor, and generous spirit was felt and will be remembered by everyone he met. Visiting Hours will be held on Monday, January 16th, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough, MA. His Funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 17th, at 11:00 AM at St. Rose of Lima, 244 W Main St, Northborough, MA. A private burial ceremony will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Joseph L. Hart, Jr. to support lung cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift. Service Details. Visitation When Monday January 16, 2023 3:00pm - 6:00pm Location Hays Funeral Home Address 56 Main Street Northborough, MA 01532 Funeral Mass When Tuesday January 17, 2023 11:00am Location Saint Rose of Lima Parish Address 244 W. Main Street Northborough, MA 01532