Dr. Edward E. Hart

Ithaca, N.Y. - Ed Hart died peacefully on September 22, 2015. Ed was born on May 8, 1927 in Hot Springs, Arkansas to Edward Elmer Hart and Ermine Myers Hart. He grew up in Toledo, Ohio and attended college at the University of Toledo and Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN where he earned an MD. He completed a residency in Ophthalmology in the 1950's. On May 10, 1950, he married Joycelyn Reed of New Orleans, LA. He practiced medicine briefly in Chicago and New Orleans in the early 1950's and subsequently served in the US Air Force at Samson Air Force base in Romulus, NY. This was his and Joycelyn's introduction to the Finger Lake's region. After finishing his tour of duty in the Air Force, Ed and Joycelyn moved to Ithaca in 1956 and Ed set up his ophthalmology practice. Ed and Joycelyn, married for 57 years, were active members of the community participating in numerous organizations over the years. Ed was active in the Civil Rights movement and was instrumental in bringing Dr. Martin Luther King to Ithaca in 1961. Ed and Joycelyn travelled extensively including trips to Africa, India, and South America. He was most proud of his service to CARE Humanitarian organization, teaching medical students and performing eye surgery in Afghanistan in 1966.

Ed was an avid athlete who played tennis, was a life long runner completing several marathons and ultra-marathons. He was a past president and life long member of the Finger Lakes Runners Club. A local ultra marathon named for him, Ed's Ultra, followed the Fingerlakes Trail system. Later in life his enthusiasm moved to cycling and he was a member of the Finger Lakes Cycling Club. He was also an avid hiker and belonged to the Cayuga Tails and Adirondack clubs. He could often be spotted cycling around town and in the nearby countryside. Ed continued to participate in activities involving nature and the outdoors and was an avid photographer throughout his life. He felt a duty to preserve our local land resources by generously giving his time, money and enthusiasm to The Finger Lakes Land Trust, Cornell Plantations and The History Center of Tompkins County.

He is survived by two sisters, Marilyn Stephens and Rosemarie Parker, four children, Edward (Lela Jacobson), Janet, Reed (Julie Kaplan), Cynthia (Don )Schnedeker, six grandchildren, Jared (Brooke) Hart, Jayme (Amy), Dana and Marya (Chris Sledziona) Schnedeker, Bryn Hart, Desirea Hart , three great grandchildren, Isla, Camila and Audrey Hart and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Joycelyn, his parents, a brother, Courtney, and a son, Jonathan. He is also survived by many friends with whom he shared the enthusiasm for the outdoors.

At Ed's request, there will be no calling hours or service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to The History Center of Tompkins County, 401 East State Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 or the Finger Lakes Land Trust, 202 E. Court Street, Ithaca, NY 14850. We would particularly like to thank the staff at Bridges at Cornell Heights and Hospicare of Tompkins County for their thoughtful and considerate care.