The North Bend Elementary School community is mourning the death of former school principal Steven R. Hardy, who passed away earlier this week. Hardy died on June 13th in his Bel Air home at the age of 64, according to published reports. He is being remembered as a principal who was unabashed in his support for students, teachers and parents in the closely-knit Jarrettsville community.
News of the loss came in an email from North Bend Assistant Principal Susan Gebhardt:
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Steven R. Hardy. Mr. Hardy was Principal at North Bend Elementary School from 1998-2011. Mr. Hardy also served HCPS as Principal at Roye-Williams Elementary School and Assistant Principal at both Bel Air Middle School and Bel Air Elementary School. A service will be scheduled later this summer at Oak Grove Baptist Church at 2106 E. Churchville Rd. in Bel Air. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org.”
Hardy served in Harford County Public Schools for more than 40 years.
Julia Bopst, a former North Bend PTA president, said after speaking with Hardy’s wife that a memorial is planned at Oak Grove Baptist Church on July 21st at 1:00 pm. Bopst remembered Hardy’s support for the North Bend school community:
“Steve was truly an innovative educator and a tireless advocate for our children. I was always impressed with his level of commitment, always seeking new ways to reach each and every student. He set the bar high and expected the very best from everyone at North Bend, and he led by example. He went out of his way to recognize the accomplishments of teachers as well as students, always giving credit for successes to the team. He was extremely supportive of the PTA and parent volunteers as he considered us partners in the education process.”
Mr. Hardy came back to wish the 5th Grade Class of 2011 good luck. Here with graduate, Tori Siler.
Photo courtesy of Amy Siler
I am very sorry to hear this. Mr Hardy was a kind and dedicated person.
My husband and I were just speaking of Steve the other day…he was great friends with my father, Frank Brannan, and he considered dad his mentor, early in Steve’s own career in public education. My dad considered him a shining star in the field.
Steve also did all the photography for our wedding in October, 1978, this having been a developing hobby for him. He did a great job! We will always have these wonderful memories of him, and our best wishes and prayers go to his family at this sad time.
Laurie & Greg Vitek
Gainesville, GA
Both of my children went to North Bend while Mr. Hardy was principal. I have rarely seen an educator so passionate about his students. His loss is not only a loss to the North Bend community, but to the children who will never know what a great man they could have had in their corner.
I am deeply sorry to hear of Mr. Hardy’s death. I worked with him at North Bend for several years before retiring, and always found him willing to try something different to benefit his school. I will always remember the Bay School Days fondly, and am glad I had the opportunity to work with him. He will be missed by many. Rest in peace, Steve.
I was just talking about Mr. Hardy to some of my friends the other day. Both of my kids went to Roye-Williams and I volunteered there. Mr. Hardy was an incredible person. We only had one problem—most of the volunteers called him by his first name. I was old-school, He was the principal. I had to call him ‘Mr. Hardy’!!!!! In the end, we both won. When I saw him in the hallway, I would say ‘Hi, Steve’ and then ‘Mr. Hardy’ !!!!! He will be truly missed. Prayers to his family. R.I.P. Mr. Steve Hardy.
It saddens me to learn of Steve’s passing. I taught with him — his first years in the district at Cedar Drive in Edgewood. He was a creative teacher and apparently the same kind of principal.
Steve Hardy was my brother and he will be missed very much, steve was a very loving brother, and he was always smiling. I remember as a child sitting around the table he would always smile, and was happy child. I am gonna miss my brother so much, and it saddens me he is gone. I love you Steve so much
Sandy Hardy Moore
Steve Hardy was my brother and he will be missed very much, steve was a very loving brother, and he was always smiling. I remember as a child sitting around the table he would always smile, and was happy child. I am gonna miss my brother so much, and it saddens me he is gone. I love you Steve so much
Sandy Hardy Moore
My three daughters were very blessed to have attend North Bend Elementary during Steves tenure. My first meeting with him was not the best, my eldest daughter got sent home to the wrong address by mistake, but with a lot of grace, Steve raced to our home to beat the bus and make sure Linnzi was ok. When I arrived she was eating a PBJ at the neighbors and Steve was in the driveway. Needless to say, everything worked out and even though she was safe, he didn’t leave until he could apologize. After that I started to dress as the CAT in
The Hat for the Dr. Suess celebration, and he always encouraged the celebration and promoted the cats visitation to read stories to each and every grade. He greeted all the children as they arrived and even after he retired, he came back to attend assemblies and 5th grade graduation. He was dedicated to education and it showed in the support he gave the school, his staff, the PTA and mostly our children. Steve you will be missed by all. God’s speed dear friend!