Wellsville, NY - Gerald C. Hart passed away peacefully at his home, Friday August 19, 2011, surrounded by his family and prayer.
He was born in Wellsville, NY on March 3, 1928, son of the late Henry and Finola (Wiles) Hart. He was a 1943 graduate of Immaculate Conception School and a 1945 graduate of Wellsville High School. Upon graduation, Gerald was drafted into the US Army and served in the Army of Occupation of Japan as a Technical Sgt. in the 27th. Infantry Regiment "The Wolfhounds" of the 25th Infantry Division, he was stationed in Osaka, Japan. He attended Alfred State College on the GI Bill, where he earned an Associates Degree in Business Administration.. Additionally, he graduated from Buffalo Barber School in 1948.
On January 22, 1955, he married Mary Ellen Connor at Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover; who predeceased him on August 15, 2009. Together they raised ten children: Ellen (Robert) Wartella, of Oneida, Kathleen (Patrick) Godfrey, of Woodbridge, VA, Thomas (Cindy Ewell) Hart of State College, PA, Colin (Theresa Dempsey) Hart of Fredonia, Nora (Craig) Burdick, Jerome (Nancy Anderson), Gabrielle (Rich) Ewell, and Joseph (Christy Forsberg), all of Wellsville, Margaret (Mark) Reuter of Superior, CO, Jonathan (Dawn Hennessey) Hart of Grand Island, and thirty-five grandchildren.
Raising ten children was not a small task for Gerald and Mary Ellen. Together they worked hard to ensure their children were cared for. During his well lived life, he farmed the land on South Hill where he raised beans and potatoes. He owned and operated Crest Haven Vault and Burial Company and Hart Memorials. Gerald was also employed at the US Postal Service for thirty-seven years.
Gerald was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, Emerald Hook and Ladder Co, American Legion, Moose Lodge, and was a 4th. Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
In addition to his children, he is survived by his sisters Jean Hanks and Judy (Jim) Brush, brothers-in-law, Clinton Adams, Jim (Marlene) Connor, John (Maurice) Connor, and Michael (Melinda) Connor, many nieces and nephews that he held very dear to his heart, and special friends Kevin and Nancy Kailbourne and Gordy Cook.
He was predeceased by his brother, Billy Hart, a sister, Esther Adams and a nephew, Billy Hanks.
Friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 pm and Wednesday from 10:00 to 10:30 am at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville, with Rev. Sean DiMaria as celebrant. Burial. with military honors will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Comfort House of Allegany County, or the Kelly Cooper Memorial Scholarship Fund % of the Immaculate Conception School, 24 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895.
So sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad.
ReplyDeleteLove, Jim and Patti Ann Allen
My condolences to all of the Hart children. Prayers and peace to you. Diane Insley
ReplyDeleteTo Maggie and family,
ReplyDeleteThe memory is a beautiful place where loved ones are reunited. I pray you feel a gentle hug each time you remember. Sending you light and love,
Pat
To all of the Harts:
ReplyDeleteYour Dad was a wonderful man who always treated me like one of the gang. He made a difference in my life. As an only child (at the time) your family was my home away from home and felt bigger than life! Your Mom and Dad and all the kids always made me feel welcome. Thank you for such wonderful times and memories. I am praying for you all.
Love,
Suzanne Thibdeau
Maggie ... Your father is so accomplished and achieved so much in his life. He is an impressive man. Again, my condolences -- both mine and IBM's in this time of sadness -- to you, your family and siblings.
ReplyDeleteElla Lau