NORTH SMITHFIELD – A 30-year history teacher at North Smithfield High School died unexpectedly this week following complications from a recent surgery.
Mark Hardiman, died on Tuesday, April 13 at the age of 67.
Hardiman leaves his wife of 38 years, Kathleen ( McCartin ) Hardiman, and is also survived by his cousin Jeffrey Hardiman and his wife Linda, and their children John and Sarah Hardiman of Cranston, several nieces, nephews, relatives, and good friends.
The longtime history teacher enjoyed taking several groups of his students on European adventures over the span of his career. He was also an adjunct professor at Rhode Island College prior to his retirement in 2009.
Born in Providence, Hardiman was the son of the late James E. and Agnes V. ( Wood ) Hardiman.
Hardiman was also a long-time bartender at the Pawtuxet Athletic Club in Cranston, as well as serving as recording secretary for several years.
Dozens of students shared memories of the teacher following news of his passing this week on online forums including his obituary.
“Mr. Hardiman was one of my favorite and most inspirational teachers in high school,” wrote Catherine Lamoureux “He was funny but strict. He was always straight to the point but you knew he cared and wanted the best for his students.”
“He was genuinely happy to be with students, making jokes and just generally delighting in teaching,” wrote another former student, Nicole (Champagne) Haberman. “Everyone loved Mr. Hardiman, including my three younger Champagne siblings.”
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, April 17, at 10 a.m. in St. Raymond Catholic Church, 1240 North Main St., Providence, followed by burial in St Ann Cemetery, Cranston.
A walk-through wake will be held Friday, April 16 from 5-7 p.m. in the Russell J Boyle and Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road, Warwick.
In lieu of flowers donations in his memory can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hardiman, visit the floral store.