William G. Hart, 85, Canton

CANTON -- William G. Hart, 85, of Canton, NY, passed away peacefully at home on December 25, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on March 31, 1938, in Grove City, PA to Donald and Jean (Greggs) Hart.

He graduated from Grove City High School in 1956, from Grove City College in 1960, and from Boston University School of Theology in 1966.

On June 11, 1966, he married his beloved Roberta Osborne, also of Grove City.

He served churches in Racquette River/Hogansburg and Canton, then as Minister of Higher Education for the Northern New York Conference of the United Methodist Church, before returning to serve churches in West Stockholm/Parishville.

He retired in 2012 after 17 years as pastor of the Seven Steeples Parish, which includes DeKalb Junction, Old DeKalb, Hermon, Russell, Degrasse, Edwards, and South Edwards.

He was an avid reader of many subjects, including philosophy, history, astronomy, poetry, science, and science fiction. He also enjoyed photography, fishing, and puttering in his workshop, where he made lots of sawdust and noise.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Roberta (Bobbie), a son, Jonathan (Christina) Hart of Hobbsville, NC, a daughter, Julie Hart of Rhinebeck NY, 5 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren, as well as a sister, Joyce Jamison of Elizabethtown, KY, sister-in-law, Catherine Campbell of Mercer, PA and several nephews.

There will be calling hours on Friday, December 29 from 2:00-4:00 PM at the Lawrence Funeral Home on Park Street in Canton.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 30 at the Dekalb Junction Methodist Church (4302 Route 11), with Rev. Russell Lee officiating.

There will be a light lunch to follow in the social hall.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to any of the Seven Steeples Churches, or Hospice of Northern New York.

Condolences may be made online at www.lawrencefuneralhome.org.