Birth date: Sep 22, 1947 Death date: Jun 6, 2026
Margaret Melissa Hart, affectionately known to family, friends, and countless others simply as “Melissa” or “Mama Hart,” passed peacefully into the arms of Our Lord on June 6, 2026, at Upstate Medical Center, surrounded by her lov Read Obituary
Dear Deacon Guy and Family,
My heart is with you as you mourn Melissa. I had the privilege of knowing you & Melissa as parents through 5C at Upstate & as volunteers for RMDH, & I can tell you — the love you two poured into families changed lives forever!
Melissa had that rare gift of making a terrified parent in a hospital hallway feel seen, loved, and less alone. She lived her Faith in the most practical, hands-on way: showing up, listening, praying, and doing. The world is truly dimmer without her light.
Guy, your tireless partnership with her built something sacred for families at RMDH, St. Monica’s, and a THOUSAND quiet acts of mercy no one will ever know about. Thank YOU both for what you gave us.
Guy, holding you all in prayer, esp. as you carry this grief so close to losing your Christopher. May the timing of Melissa’s Heavenly homecoming bring you peace, & may her “prayer warriors” keep surrounding you now. God bless.
With deepest sympathy, love & gratitude,
Marilyn (Tickner) McNamara
Are thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Mrs Hart was a very special and caring person. May all of you carry your memories of her close to your hearts. God Bless.
Robert, Michele Hyde and Family
Are thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Mrs Hart was a very special and caring person. May all of you carry your memories of her close to your hearts. God Bless.
Robert, Michele Hyde and Family
DEACON Guy and family. My name is Patti Rusczyk. I've known your wife/mom for many years. We met through Jeannie Bryant at St Mary's Wednesday night prayer meeting. How i loved Melissa. I don't know who wrote her obituary but every line was true. One day Melissa came into Wegmans James Street where I was the service desk manager. I was in an abusive marriage..it must have been "one of those days because when she came over to me she put her hands on mine. She knew, tried to comfort me and told me about Majugoria. She told me she and Guy take pilgrims over there. I told her as exciting as it sounded I couldn't afford it. "NO no you will come as our guest. My heart started beating with hope. Realizing I couldn't do it I asked her if I could write a letter to the Blessed Mother. Melissa told me they stayed with the family of one of the seers and that she would hand it to the seer. You have no idea how much hope that gave me. I went home wrote my letter to the Blessed Mother. 2 sheets front and back but as soon as I sealed the letter I couldn't remember a word I had written. I mailed it to your mom. About 7 days later, on the day they were coming home. I had walked to Blessed Sacrament church for Sunday Mass. When I came out of Mass I was surprised by how warm it had gotten. I took off my jacket and heard what I thought were coins in my jacket pocket. Oh, ok it was just my rosaries..I pulled them out and fell to my knees. The links had turned Gold. I will never forget that day or your mom. About 2 yrs ago I fell and broke my hip your mom mailed me Holy Oil. Melissa was truly a saint. May you all experience the love of Christ and the knowledge that she is always with you.❤️
Melissa and I were at Blessed Sacrament School together. I remember many a lunch with her, visits to her parent's home on Shotwell. She was a wonderful person and a friend to everyone. My deepest condolences to the family. She will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her.
Deborah Mullen Van Meter
On behalf of Saint Patrick’s Council of Catholic Women, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida , I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences on the loss of this very special lady. Our council will keep Deacon Hart and his family in our prayers at this most difficult time. Pres. Rosemary Hagis
