Following is the obituary for GEORGE KELLER HART, Jr., submitted for the family by the Harding Funeral Home.

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George Keller Hart, Jr., passed away on Dec. 6, 2021, amidst his caring and loving family in his home in Stamford. 

George was born on Sept. 3, 1928, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to George Keller Hart and Ellen Mary (née Cleary). 

His first wife, Eileen (née Fisher) and mother of his five children, died in 1971. He was predeceased by his sisters Florence (McCarthy) and Ellen (Smylie). 

He leaves his wife, Mallory (née Strick); his five children, Eileen (and husband Jay Ludy) of Westport, Tom (and wife Cara Mia Capparelli), Amy (and husband Bob Gerrity), Peter and George (and wife Deborah Mayerson); six grandchildren, Kevin, John, James, Camilla (and husband Billy), Fionnuala and Patrick; great-grandson Julius, and treasured nephews, nieces and friends. 

George graduated from James Madison High School in Brooklyn, and earned a B.S. in electrical engineering from Brooklyn Polytechnic. 

A microwave and radar specialist, he was employed by the Sperry Gyroscope Co. in Lake Success, N.Y., for 20 years, before launching an entrepreneurial career 50 years ago with his business partner Peter Sferrazza and their start-up firm, the Eastern Athletic Clubs of New York, Brooklyn and Long Island. 

Married for 45 years, George and Mallory enjoyed being long-time Manhattan residents who took full advantage of all the city had to offer. In 1999, they launched John-James Publishing and published Mallory’s series of historic romances. They traveled extensively through Europe, Africa and Russia, often renting summer homes to which family and friends were generously invited. 

After retirement, George built homes on Long Island’s East End for himself and Mallory, his sister Ellen and husband Rosty, and his sister Florence and husband Eddie.    

George was an avid and serious reader, an opera lover, a subway rider, Mets fan, Central Park cyclist and was thrilled every single day simply being in New York City.

Deeply committed to the principles of his Catholic faith and the social gospel of inclusion and compassion, George inspired everyone he encountered with his friendship, enthusiasm and sheer unquenchable exuberance.

A funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Assumption, 98 Riverside Ave., at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Maryknoll Society Missions or the St. Joseph Indian School would be appreciated.