Havana, November 27 (Prensa Latina)-- Cubans have expressed their grief over the death of the intellectual and revolutionary Armando Hart, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 87 due to a respiratory arrest, local media reported today.

The websites of Granma and Juventud Rebelde newspapers published dozens of messages of condolences to relatives and friends, and of acknowledgement of the illustrious thinker, who was the first minister of Education after the triumph of the Revolution and the director of the Office of Marti's Program since its creation.

Both newspapers say that he was 'a cultivated and fair man', 'a brave and devotional revolutionary' and 'a convinced admirer of Marti and Fidel'.  They also note his major political and intellectual work at the service of the Revolution since its triumph in January 1959.

The website Cubadebate also noted the repercussions of his death, and a web surfer described him as 'a great revolutionary, a great intellectual and a brother in arms of our Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro.'

Hart, whose body laid in state at the Center for Studies on Marti Sunday evening until Monday morning, was recalled for his notable efforts to promote the life and work of Cuban National Hero Jose Marti, a purpose for which he learned from several essays, books and articles.

He is also remembered for his role in the clandestine struggle against the Fulgencio Batista dictatorship (1952-1958), during which he was the national coordinator of the 26 of July Movement.

His life and work were acknowledged by several orders that he received, including the Jose Marti Order, the highest decoration granted by the Republic of Cuba, and Doctorates Honoris Causa from universities from several countries.

Hart's body was cremated today at the request of his family.