Neil J Hart, MD, beloved husband, father, Papa, and friend of many, passed away on July 9th, 2022, in Vero Beach, FL.

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Albert J and Elizabeth (nee Ducro) Hart on March 10, 1942. Raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio, he graduated from St. Ignatius High School and John Carroll University. He met Ann DeFino shortly after high school and they married in 1965 after Neil’s first year of medical school at St. Louis University School of Medicine. He completed his medical residency at the Cleveland Clinic and then attended Emory University as an NIH Research Fellow in Cardiology.

In 1973, Neil joined the Navy and served as Chief of the Cardiovascular Section at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He left in 1975 as a Lieutenant Commander and returned to the Cleveland Clinic. There he acted as the Director of the Medical Student Cardiovascular Program and Co-Director of the Cardiology Fellowship Program until 1982. That year he left to join his colleague from fellowship at Emory University, Dr. John Frazier, to create Frazier-Hart Cardiovascular in Pittsburgh, PA. At Allegheny General Hospital, he served as director of the coronary care unit. At the Washington Hospital, Frazier-Hart greatly expanded the level of heart care for patients in Washington county, including performing the first coronary revascularization procedures in the area. For 32 years, he felt blessed and gratified to serve the patients of Southwestern Pennsylvania. He was frequently recognized by his trainees, including numerous distinguished teaching awards. He was respected by his colleagues and loved by his patients.

As a husband, Neil was the perfect complement to Ann in their 56-year adventure together, raising 7 children with few dull moments. As a father, Neil was ever the teacher, from correcting grammar on his children’s school papers to instilling the practicalities of investing. He loved new adventure, taking up skiing later in life and tackling whitewater rafting. Neil was a great storyteller, frequently finding himself at the center of a group recounting stories that were funny the first time and even funnier the 10th time. He loved golfing, especially when playing with his family. Neil cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Neil is survived by his wife Ann, his seven children and 21 grandchildren. Patrick (Erin) Hart, Michael (Iris) Hart, Neil (Molly) Hart, Ann (Brian) Macaulay, Anthony (Angela) Hart, Caroline (Mark) Britcliffe and Kathryn Hart as well as his brother Albert (Johanna) Hart and sister Carol (Mike) Keck. He also leaves behind many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Mass of Celebration of Life will be held at St Bernard’s Church in Mt. Lebanon.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or the American Heart Association.
https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=2379&np=true

https://ahatribute.funraise.org/fundraiser/neil-hart